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John Rust Parsons

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John Rust Parsons

Birth	:	22 Dec 1806 Randolph County, West Virginia, USA
Death	:	27 Nov 1882
Burial	:	Waiuku Cemetery, Waiuku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate	:	-37.2612630, 174.7346520
Description	:	Note: The middle name used for this memorial is Rust, which appears to be the common name used in most of the Parsons family history sheets and compilations. A variation, "Rush", shows up on occasion but it appears that the "Rust" name is more likely to be correct. Be aware! ------- Son of James and Nancy Rust Parsons. Their children believed to be: William R Parsons Elizabeth Parsons (Hank) George Parsons David Parsons John Rust/Rush Parsons Robert Slack Parsons Abraham Parsons Sarah Parsons (Talbott) Andrew B Parsons Thomas S Parsons ------- Robert Slack... Read More	Note: The middle name used for this memorial is Rust, which appears to be the common name used in most of the Parsons family history sheets and compilations. A variation, "Rush", shows up on occasion but it appears that the "Rust" name is more likely to be correct. Be aware! ------- Son of James and Nancy Rust Parsons. Their children believed to be: William R Parsons Elizabeth Parsons (Hank) George Parsons David Parsons John Rust/Rush Parsons Robert Slack Parsons Abraham Parsons Sarah Parsons (Talbott) Andrew B Parsons Thomas S Parsons ------- Robert Slack Parsons and his brother John Rust/Rush Parsons came to this area of Iowa territory together with their respective families and settled in what is now Jefferson County. This took place in the late 1830's, making them among the first pioneers of Jefferson County. ------- Note: The date of birth of December 22, 1806 is calculated from the headstone death date of November 27, 1882 and aged 75y 11m 5d. A source shown below used November as the birth month; likely a transcription error. Husband of Diana Parsons Parsons, married December 11, 1827. Three children are buried adjacent: George, Nancy, and William. ------- The Fairfield (Iowa) Daily Ledger, Monday, October 2, 1939. CENTENNIAL EDITION, Section G, Page Three. JOHN R. PARSONS BLAZED TRAIL FROM GLENDALE TO FAIRFIELD, PRESENT ROUTE OF HIGHWAY 34. With four yoke of oxen, pioneer spent two days traversing seven miles. (By Mrs. Jennie Prince) John Rush Parsons was born November 22, 1806. His wife, Diana Parsons, was born June 12, 1811. After their marriage, the family home was established at Parsons, Tucker County, West Virginia. It was here that their five oldest children were born. No record has been left telling why or what induced them to leave their native state and emigrate to a new one – Iowa. But nevertheless, in the spring of 1836 they loaded their belongings in a wagon with a yoke of six or eight head of oxen, no doubt with much trepidation at leaving other loved ones and home scenes. Especially sad must have been the leave-taking of the mother, with her four little children, one, Robert E., being less than four months old. The eldest, Jerome, was but seven years of age. Death had already invaded the Parsons home, taking their little daughter, Caroline, five years old. Without doubt it was with sadness they left that little grave to look for a new home in the "far west," as Iowa was then known. They were accompanied here by Mr. Parsons' brother, Robert, and wife, and boys, who settled on what is now the Perry Hickenbottom farm at Glendale. The families arrived here some time in 1837. When cold weather and winter came upon them, they stayed at Cairo, in southern Illinois…..They were almost two years in their journey here. Where is there a family of today which would think of starting on a two years' journey, especially a mother with a baby and three other small children? Just why they chose Parsonsville for their home has not been recorded. The territory at that time was all government land, and free for settling at $1.25 an acre. Grandfather Parsons staked his claim from near Glendale to where Harry Parsons now owns. He built a log cabin close to where Oscar Monson's house now stands. This was all timber, and as Mr. Parsons had an eye to thrift, he no doubt thought that it would not be so cold there. He cleared the land and a few years later he built a log house a short distance west, now owned by Will Bush. That house is still in use as a kitchen, having been weather-boarded and ceiled. One would never know today of its origin, it is so nice and cozy. But nevertheless it is part of the Parsons homestead. In the early ‘40s, when Fairfield was yet in her infancy, John R. Parsons took four yoke of oxen, which of course means eight head, attached them to a huge breaking plow, and thus "Blazed the Trail to Fairfield," by plowing a continuous furrow. It has been said that oftentimes one couldn't see the front yoke of oxen on account of the large amount of prairie grass, from six to eight feet tall. In all probability it took two days to make the trip, as slow as oxen move. That "Trail" today is U.S. Highway 34, or known as "the Burlington road." Today as we go gliding over this pavement we ought to pay a tribute of respect to Mr. Parsons, as this road has seen but little change since he blazed it. It was straightened slightly when the railroad came through in 1856. Those were boom days then. Mr. Parsons began building a brick house where Jim and Tressie Hawkins now live. At that time it was a regular mansion. He had the idea that Parsonsville would be a railroad station, as there were already some stores there, and the tavern which stood where Herb Linn now lives. But these hopes were never realized. Wild game was plentiful, and it came in handy to take down the faithful rifle and bring down a wild turkey or some other wild game. The Indians were numerous, and were the only playmates which the Parsons children had for some time. Mr. Parsons was always friendly with the Indians, and they considered the Parsons family the best of friends, as neighbors were few and far between. Their furniture was all home-made, as he was a handy man, and had the tools with which to make furniture. After the completion of his brick house he at once put out a large orchard. In the year of 1849, when the Maxwell and McCormick families arrived here from the east, kind-hearted Mrs. Parsons sent apples to both of their families many times. This was a real treat, a never-to-be-forgotten kindness. This orchard has the distinction of being one of the first bearing orchards in this county. When the family came, Mr. Parsons had $1,000, all in gold. This he carried with him, or kept at the house. He was instrumental in building the Parsonsville church, as he furnished all the dimension lumber. With the assistance of the few neighbors that lived here then, all of whom were willing to donate work, the church was built for a small cost, and all had a place to go and worship. A little incident is recalled concerning the time when the church lacked only $100 of being paid for. Grandmother Parsons reached down in her large pocket in her dress, and brought forth the $100, saying "There, now that will clear our church of all debt." He also had a blacksmith shop on his farm, and the anvil which he used many times can be seen on the George Parsons farm. Grandfather Parsons bought one of the first mowers in the county, and when the agent came driving up with the "contraption" all boxed up, Mr. Parsons had six or eight men mowing hay with scythes on the land which lies east of the Parsonsville road. When the agent explained his errand – wanting to sell a mower, Mr. Parsons quickly replied, "I just haven't got time, can't you see, we're busy making Hay!" But he was interested enough to ask the price, which was about $70. He said, "Boys, go get a team and we'll try it out." After he saw it work, without any further sales talk from the dealer, he said "I'll buy it," and therewith reached down in his home-made jeans and brought forth the money, while the scythes were all hanging on the stake-and-rider fence, where they remained. He always was a busy man, and expected all those around him to follow suit….. His first great sorrow and loss was the death of his loved wife, which occurred August 28, 1876. He remained on the old homestead, with his son Jim and wife, until death claimed him six years later on December 28, 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons were the parents of thirteen children: Jerome Eugene, who left for the gold fields of California when but nineteen years of age; Lucy Ann, who married Jack Travis; Caroline, who died when but five years of age; Robert E.; Solomon; George and William both died when but a few hours old; Nancy, who lived but two days; Rebecca Ellen married Ben Archibald; Mary Jane, married Charlie Linstrom; and the youngest son, Jim, who remained on the old home farm for many years….. ------- The following excerpt was used to describe the son Baldon/Baldwin Parsons. It is being adapted here for a profile of the parents ... Source:Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 493, 494, and 497 "....John R. PARSONS, was born in Randolph County, W. Va., December 22, 1806, and was of German and Irish descent. He married Diana PARSONS, who though of the same name was not related. She was also born in Randolph County, June 22, 1811, and was a daughter of one of the Revolutionary heroes. The marriage of the parents of our subject was celebrated December 11, 1827, and in 1836 they left their native State, where Mr. PARSONS had previously carried on farming, and started for Iowa, but winter overtook them ere they reached their destination, one of the children was taken sick and they determined to spend the winter in Illinois. The husband, however, in company with Sexton Mount, crossed the Mississippi on the ice, made his way directly to Jefferson County and near Brighton located a claim, after which he returned to his family. The following April, accompanied by wife and children, he completed the journey to Jefferson County and located on section 30, Lockridge Township, where he built a pioneer cabin and began life in true frontier style. He was one of the progressive farmers of the county and succeeded in accumulating four hundred and eighty acres of land. He brought the first reaper and the first mower into the county, was among the first to introduce Short-horn cattle and made a specialty of raising fine stock. He also helped to make the coffin for David Coop, the first white man buried in the county. He served as township trustee for several years and also one term as a member of the Board of County Supervisors. He helped to lay out the now flourishing city of Fairfield and in many other ways was prominently identified with the county's interests and deserves no little credit for the labors he put forth for its advancement and progress. In politics he was a life long Democrat and both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church from childhood. Mrs. PARSONS passed to the better land August 28, 1876, and on the 27th of November, 1882, having survived his wife six years, the death of Mr. PARSONS occurred. He stood in the front rank of any enterprise for public improvement, was honored as a citizen and friend, and in the church was one of the most faithful and devoted workers. To the worthy couple just mentioned was born a family of twelve children, nine of whom lived to mature years, were married and reared families; Jerome died in the prime of life; Eugene is engaged in farming in California; Lucy A. is the wife of Jeff TRAVIS, a resident of Rooks County, Kan.; Robert E. is a farmer of Buchanan Township, Jefferson County; Baldon is the next in order of birth; he is followed by Solomon; Rebecca is the wife of Benjamin ARCHIBALD, a resident of Jefferson County; Mary J. is the wife of Charles LINSTRUM who makes his home in Lucus (sic) County, Iowa; and John J. is engaged in agricultural pursuits in Smith County, Kan. ...."

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is John Rust Parsons's memorial?
John Rust Parsons's memorial is located at: Waiuku Cemetery, Waiuku, Auckland Council, New Zealand.
When did John Rust Parsons death?
John Rust Parsons death on 27 Nov 1882 in
Where are the coordinates of the John Rust Parsons's memorial?
Latitude: -37.2612630
Longitude: 174.7346520

Family Members:

Parent

Spouse

Diana Parsons Parsons

(1811 - 1876)

Siblings

Abraham “"Abe"” Parsons

(1809 - 1884)

Robert Slack Parsons

(1812 - 1871)

Children

Jerome Harper Parsons

(1830 - 1875)

(unknow - unknow)

Robert Elliott Parsons

(1835 - 1915)

Baldwin “Baldon” Parsons

(1839 - 1906)

George Parsons

(1842 - 1842)

Nancy Parsons

(1846 - 1846)

William Parsons

(1848 - 1848)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Waiuku Cemetery
Waiuku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2612630, 174.7346520

2. Tahuna Pa Road Urupā
Waiuku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2290900, 174.7080100

3. Waipipi Cemetery
Awhitu, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2124964, 174.6845550

4. Mauku Cemetery
Mauku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2011420, 174.8109100

5. St Brides Church of England Cemetery
Mauku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2011260, 174.8120370

6. Tekohanga Urupā
Port Waikato, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.3314940, 174.8085230

7. Mauku Historical Cemetery
Mauku, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1743690, 174.7951870

8. Manutahi Urupā
Port Waikato, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.3337939, 174.8210091

9. Kohekohe Cemetery
Pollok, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1797380, 174.6508930

10. Waiau Pa Cemetery
Waiau Pa, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1327190, 174.7573970

11. Oraeroa Urupā
Port Waikato, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.3913670, 174.7257830

12. Pukekohe Public Cemetery
Pukekohe, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2106400, 174.8974900

13. Pollok Cemetery
Pollok, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1469760, 174.6257190

14. Pukekohe Catholic Cemetery
Pukekohe, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1951510, 174.9014640

15. Onewhero Cemetery
Onewhero, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.3158900, 174.9104900

16. Heights Park Cemetery
Paerata, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1781928, 174.8938836

17. Alexandra Redoubt Cemetery
Tuakau, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2858200, 174.9419600

18. Tuakau Cemetery
Tuakau, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2844420, 174.9465660

19. Pukekohe East Cemetery
Pukekohe East, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1883500, 174.9459000

20. Awhitu Central Cemetery
Awhitu Central, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.0956340, 174.5813100

21. Bombay Presbyterian Church Cemetery
Bombay, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1790700, 174.9826900

22. St. Peter's in the Forest Anglican Cemetery
Bombay, Auckland Council, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.1869100, 174.9914100

23. Pokeno Old Soldiers Cemetery
Pokeno, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2386120, 175.0094760

24. Pokeno Cemetery
Pokeno, Waikato District, New Zealand
Coordinate: -37.2364600, 175.0215400