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William D. Parrott

William D. Parrott, deceased, was one of the early settlers of West Union, dating his residence in the place from 1854. He was born in England about 1820 and emigrated to America in 1832. Prior to that time his mother had died and with his father he crossed the broad Atlantic, becoming a resident of Philadelphia. He completed his education in the schools of that city and learned the trade of a watch-maker and jeweler with his father. After arriving at years of maturity he removed to Pottsdam, Pa., where he engaged in business in that line. He had married in Philadelphia in 1837, the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Bagnall who was born in the city of Brotherly Love and was a daughter of William Bagnall. On disposing of his interests in Potsdam Mr. Parrott removed to Bellefonte, Center County, where he continued operations in his line of trade for some six years. Thinking to better his condition he came to Iowa in 1854 and opened a store in West Union, though still running his establishment in the East. Finding that his efforts were being crowned with success he sent for his family to join him in 1856 and in West Union he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred January 10, 1883. He was a successful business man, sagacious and far-sighted, and upright in his dealings. His genial manner won him friends whose esteem he retained until the last. In early life he was a supporter of Whig principles and afterward identified himself with the Republican party of which he was a warm supporter. He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends and adhered to its doctrines throughout life. His wife, who died April 27, 1875, was a member of the Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Parrott had a family of thirteen children, seven sons and six daughters, of whom eight, five sons and three daughters, are now living: William H., the eldest, married Miss Laura Bingham and is a jeweler of Monticello, Iowa; Joseph D., who served in the late war as a member of Company F., Third Iowa Infantry, for three years and was wounded at the battle of Jackson, wedded Mary Webb and is now engaged in wagon-making in Coon Rapids, Iowa; James P. married Sarah L. Gruver and is a jeweler of West Union; Charles died at the age of one year September, 1856; Edward L. is living in West Union; Jennie B., wife of Charles Hodgkinson died in 1888; Emma died in infancy; Henry C. married Nellie Countryman and is a shoemaker of Onoka, Minn.; Frederick died at the age of four years; Eva, wife of Albert Vines, died March 3, 1881; Lillie is the wife of Charles Macomber, of Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa; Ella is a partner with her brother James in the jewelry business at West Union, and Maggie resides in Cascade, Iowa."Return to Home Page