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         HANNIBAL J. N. PARSONS, an honored pioneer of Louisa County of 1836, now residing on section 10, Jefferson Township, was born Feb. 24, 1818, in Randolph County, W. Va., and is a son of Jonathan and Agnes (Neville) Parsons, who were also natives of the same county and State. The paternal grandfather, James Parsons, was a native of England, and a son of Thomas Parsons, a hatter, of London. James emigrated to America, and settled in what is now West Virginia, where he was one of the early pioneers. The maternal grandfather, John Neville, was a native of Hardy County, W. Va., of Scotch descent, and was a relative of Lord George Neville. John served during the entire Revolutionary War as a private under Gen. La Fayette, and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Jonathan Parsons, the father of our subject, was born in 1797, and reared upon a farm in West Virginia. He received a liberal education, was educated for the ministry, but always engaged in farming. He also studied medicine, but never practiced it except in charitable cases or in the absence of their physicians. His father died when he was fourteen years old, but he lived with his mother until the age of twenty years, when he was united in marriage, Feb. 27, 1817, with Agnes Neville, who was born Oct. 21, 1792. After his marriage Mr. Parsons engaged in farming in his native county until 1836, when he sold out and emigrated to Iowa, settling in Jefferson Township, Louisa County, where he entered 160 acres of land. He immediately began its improvement, and soon developed a fine farm. A log cabin was there built, which still stands, it being used as his home until 1852, when he moved to the village of Toolsboro, where he spent the remainder of his days.

Mr. and Mrs. Parsons were the parents of four children: Our subject, Joseph J.; Mary C., wife of Minor T. Dennison, of Republic County, Kan.; and Adruble, who died at the age of twenty years. Mr. Parsons and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a man who always took an active part in political affairs, and cast his vote with the Democratic party. His death occurred March 8, 1883, his wife having died June 18, 1857. He was one of the very earliest pioneers of Louisa County. Having settled in almost an unbroken wilderness he yet lived to see the same country transformed into beautiful farms, with school-houses and churches located at short intervals throughout the country, and villages and cities built, where can be obtained almost every convenience of the civilized world. Mr. Parsons was a hospitable man, no friend or stranger having ever come to his door without receiving a hearty welcome.

When eighteen years of age our subject came . . .

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… with his father to this county, where he has ever since been engaged in farming. A partnership was formed between his father, his brother Joseph and himself, in farming and stock-raising, and all of them lived in the same house. A thorough business man, he has been quite successful, and is now the owner of about 1,400 acres of land, besides considerable town property. At one time Mr. Parsons was nominated for the Legislature, but declined to run. He has served as County Supervisor for two years, and has always been an active worker in political affairs. In all matters of local interest, and in all enterprises for the public good, he has given his support, and has ever been a liberal contributor to churches. A great friend to education, he is especially interested in the schools of the county, and has served as President of the School Board in his district much of the time for the past twenty years. His geniality, honesty and hospitality have won for him many friends. He is well known throughout the county, and is highly esteemed alike by young and old, rich and poor.