Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 576
REV. SAMUEL H. PARVIN, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Muscatine, Iowa, was born Dec. 9, 1844, in Ripley County, Ind., and is a son of Samuel Ray and Anna ( Tice ) Parvin, who were natives of Cumberland County, N. J. Of their children, six sons are now living : Isaac M., born Aug. 20, 1835, is now a rsident of Missouri ; John T., was born April 3, 1837, is a resident of McDonough County, Ill., and is the husband of Mollie ( Hoagland ) Parvin, and to them have been born two children ; Gilbert T., a resident of Harvey County, Kan., where he is engaged in agricultural pursuits; he wedded Sophia Campbell, of Bardolph, Ill., and to them have been born three children ; Prof. Z. M., born April 25, 1843, is Professor of the Conservatory of Music, of Williamatte, Ore., and is the husband of Adda Sutton, who was born in the State of Maine ; Charles K., merchant of Smithfield, Ill., is the youngest of the family.

Our subject received his primary education in the subscription schools of Kingston, Ind., where he remained until 1856, when he emigrated with his parents to Illinois, where he enjoyed the priviteges of free schools. In 1865 he entered Knox College, at Galesburg, Ill., and after six years' diligent study graduated in 1871. He then entered Lane Theological Seminary, at Cincinnati, Ohio, which was founded by Dr. Lyman Beecher ; being graduated from that institution in the month of May, 1874. After enjoying a few weeks' rest he entered upon his life work, becoming Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of New Salem, Ill., where he remained for three years. At the expiration of that time he was called to Bushnell, Ill., to take charge of the Presbyterian Church at that place, there continuing his pastoral duties for six years and three months, and in April, 1884, was called to his present charge at Muscatine. He is a diligent worker, a fine scholar, and receives the universal respect of all who know him. His honorable, upright course has won him the confidence of all, and the church of which he is pastor is now in a flourishing condition.

On the 2d day of September, 1875, Mr. Parvin was united in marriage with Miss Drusilla, a daughter of John and Susan ( Crabs ) Edington, residents of Rock Island County, Ill.; but before ten years of married life had passed the lady was called to her final home--her death occurring at Muscatine, July 15, 1884. By their union, one child was born: Blanche L., born July 11, 1878. She now makes her home with her aunt, Mrs. Margaret Dodge, of Spirit Lake, Iowa.

Politically, Mr. Parvin has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party, while scoially, he is an active member of the order of K. of P. He is also a charter member of Chevalier Lodge No. 101, of Bushnell, Ill., which was organized under the grand jurisdiction of that State, and is now serving as Past Chancelor of Wyoming Lodge No.76, of Muscatine. He also belongs to the A. F. & A. M., having become a member in July, 1888.

As a citizen Mr. Parvin believes it his duty to work faithfully for the best interests of his adopted city, and is ever ready, with voice and pen, as well as in other ways, to aid every worthy enterprise.

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