William Evans Parr (1846-1920)

PARR, MCQUEEN, BITTNER, ROUZER, MCQUISTON, THOMAS

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/17/2005 at 07:13:55

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, January 1, 1920, page 1, column 2. "WILLIAM EVANS PARR - William Evans Parr, who passed away at his home south of Maxwell last Saturday, December 27, was born near Nighton, Wales, on July 2, 1846, and at the time of his death had attained the venerable age of seventy-three years, five months and twenty-five days. When he was only one and one-half years of age his parents left Nighton and moved to England, settling at Rhyader. Some six months later his father died, leaving his mother with the family. As he attained the age of twelve years it was necessary that he go to work to assist his mother in supporting the family. He began as a miller's assistant but two years later changed to blacksmithing. He served his seven years apprenticeship under the old English guild and then worked in several other English blacksmith shops. He came to the United States in 1870, when he came to Peoria City. He lived there eleven years and then moved to the farm where he has since resided. He followed his trade up until July 2, 1917, on which date he sold his business to his son, W. J. Parr, but since he has helped around the shop until about the first of December. It could be said that he had worked at his trade some fifty-seven years. In the year 1872 he was married to Mary E. McQueen and to this union eight children were born. They are named as W. J. Parr, D. E. Parr, Julia Bittner, Della Rouzer, Asa Leroy Parr, Ellen McQuiston, Nellie Thomas and B. F. Parr. Of these D. E. Parr, Asa Leroy Parr and Nellie Thomas have passed on before their father. The others, with their mother, were at the bedside of their father when he died. Besides his wife and children he also leaves seven grandchildren. In the year 1885 he was affiliated with Herald Lodge, No. 455, A. F. & A. M., of Maxwell, and has attended meetings regularly until his health failed. In 1886 he made the trip back to England and visited his aged mother for about three months. Mr. Parr was an excellent workman and was well known throughout the community. Naturally his profession gave him a large acquaintance and he leaves a wide circle of friends. He was of sturdy Welsh stock as is shown by his long and faithful service to his chosen profession. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Zion church on Monday afternoon, December 29, and interment was made in Mt. Zion cemetery. The Masonic lodge of Maxwell had charge of the services and the Masonic burial rites were conducted by Ray W. Bodger, Worshipful Master. The following couplet was a favorite of his and he oft repeated it while working on his forge: "My anvil is rusted, My vise in the dust, My bellows lost their wind; My forge is decayed, My last nail is driven, My work is done. Amen. Card of Thanks - We wish to express our appreciation to the kind neighbors and friends who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our husband and father. Mrs. W. E. Parr and family."

BURIAL: Iowa Historical Library, Des Moines, Iowa. POLK COUNTY, IOWA CEMETERIES WASHINGTON TWP., #0178, Geneal * F 627 .P7 C4 V.6, Mt. Zion Cemetery, page 4. PARR, Mary E, born 4-20-1850, died 10-1-1921, LOT 15, ROW 4, MISC. INF. - very large stone; PARR, William E, born 7-2-1846, died 12-27-1919, LOT 15, ROW 4, MISC. INF. - very large stone; PARR, Daniel E, born _____, died 11-8-1903, LOT 15, ROW 4, MISC. INF. - AGE 28Y, 1D, D/AT S F, CA S/O W E & M; PARR, Asa Leroy, born 1884 died 1892, LOT 15, ROW 4.