Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2014 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= USGenNet Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Biographical Review of the Leading Citizens of Hampshire County, Massachusetts Pub. Biographical Review Publishing Company, Boston - 1896 [41-42] SAMUEL L. PARSONS, whose portrait appears on the adjoining page, is the owner of a fine agricultural estate in Northampton, and has long been a conspicuous factor of the farming community, but is now, owing to ill health, living somewhat retired from active pur- suits. He is the worthy representative of one of the very earliest pioneer families in this part of Hampshire County, the first birth recorded in Northampton being that of EBENEZER PARSONS, who was born May 1, 1655, and was the fifth child of JOSEPH and MARY (BLISS) PARSONS. This couple were wedded in November, 1646, at Hartford, Conn. They are further mentioned elsewhere in these pages in connection with others of their name and lineage. Their eldest son bore the name of JOSEPH, and was known as "ESQUIRE JOSEPH," or JUDGE PARSONS, the father being "CORNET JOSEPH." PHINEAS PARSONS, born January 9, 1750, a great-grandson of ESQUIRE JOSEPH and ELIZABETH (STRONG) PARSONS -- as we learn from the REV. SOLOMON CLARK'S interesting work on "Northampton Antiqui- ties, Historicals, and Graduates" -- was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. In 1772 PHINEAS PARSONS married MARY BAKER, a daughter of SAMUEL and SARAH (LANCKTON) BAKER, settling on the estate conveyed to him by his father-in-law, his house standing within a few rods of what is now 58 West Street, and here engaged in general farming until his death, in 1825. He and his wife reared three daughters and four sons, of whom SAMUEL, born Septem- ber 17, 1793, was the youngest. SAMUEL PARSONS became one of the leading farmers of this part of the county. He was a man of good judgement and sterling integrity, and prominent in public affairs, serving as Selectman several years, and as a Representative in the General Court in 1832 and 1833. His wife, to whom he was united November 20, 1821, was CAROLINE RUSSELL, a native of this town. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom, with the exception of SYDENHAM CLARK PARSONS, formerly a druggist in Northampton, are now living, the father's namesake being the eldest child. SAMUEL L. PARSONS was born November 20, 1823, on the old PARSONS homestead, above mentioned, and was there reared and educated. He remained beneath the parental roof-tree until his marriage, gaining a practical knowledge of various branches of agriculture. He in- herited a portion of his father's estate, and now owns a valuable farm of two hundred acres, one of the very best in the vicinity. He has here carried on general farming with eminent success, rais- ing about a thousand bushels of corn annually on the uplands; and on the bottom lands he cuts about two hundred tons of hay each sea- son. He makes a specialty of fattening cattle, keeping twenty or more, and turns to good account each acre of his fertile land. On November 20, 1844, MR. PARSONS was united in wedlock with SARAH A. KINGLSEY, a daughter of EDWIN and MARY B. KINGSLEY, of Northampton, the place of her birth being the site now occupied by the Academy of Music. Of this union two children have been born; a daughter, HARRIET; and a son, SAMUEL BAKER PARSONS. HARRIET mar- ried HUBBARD M. ABBOTT, present Register of Probate for Hampshire County; and they have two sons and a daughter, EDWIN KINGSLEY ABBOTT beng a clerk in the Northampton Bank, and JAMES TRUMBULL and HARRIET P. being yet in school. SAMUEL BAKER PARSONS, who resides near his parents, married ELLA B. GORHAM, and succeeds his father in business. An active member of the Republican party in politics, ever deeply interested in the public weal, MR. PARSONS has served as Selectman eight years; and during two terms he represented his district in the State legislature. He is a gentleman of pleasing address, his cordiality inviting acquaintance, and his intelligence ane evident sincerity winning respect and confidence. =========================================================================== If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access more of our growing collection of FREE online information by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/ ===========================================================================