Parish, Elida (1841-1919)

PARISH

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/16/2019 at 13:13:38

Elida Parish
Oct 9, 1841 - Sep 13, 1919

(From the 1891 Biographical History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, p.292)
E. PARISH, a prominent citizen of Hazel Dell Township, was born in Canada West, October 9, 1841, the sixth child of nine in the family of HIRAM and ANNA (BULLARD) PARISH, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Canada. He was 8 years of age when his parents came with him to Lee Co., Iowa, where they passed the remainder of their lives. Brought up to the arts of agriculture, he was at the early age of 13 years compelled in a great measure to look out for himself. He was in Knox Co., Illinois, from the age of 15 to 20, when, during the War, he enlisted in October 1861 in Company L, 8th Missouri Volunteer Infantry, but was soon transferred to Company I. After faithful service for three years, participating in the noted battles of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donnelson, shiloh, Corinth, Holly Springs, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Kenesaw Mountain, Russell House, Atlanta, Jonesboro, and a number of skirmishes, he was honorably discharged at East Point, Georgia. He was married October 30, 1866, to Miss Jane, daughter of Josiah and Margaret Nelson, who was born in Knox Co., Illinois, in November 1848. After a three years' residence in Illinois, he came to Pottawattamie County and purchased a tract of raw prairie on section 3, Hazel Dell Township, of forty acres. Here he erected a small frame residence, 14 X 16, in which he made his home for five or six years, while he was subduing his land to cultivation. He now possesses 159 acres, all of which has been improved. He has now a neat frame residence, 26 X 24 and 16 X 20 and barns, etc., in good style. He is particularly interested in improved breeds of stock, making a specialty of Durham cattle. He is a self-made man, having risen by his own efforts to his present high standing, and he has also done much for the public welfare. He is a Republican in his political sympathies; he has served his township as Constable and member of the School Board, Road Supervisor, and is now Township Clerk. He has had 12 children, viz.: John N., at home; Dora B., wife of GEORGE SMITH, and residing in Boomer Township; Peter; Minnie; Mary and George at home; Cyrus, deceased; Etta; Bertha; Elmer; Cora; and Ella Myrtle.