Nevada
County
Biographies
WILLIAM E. PARSONS
The study of the life of the
representative American never fails to afford much pleasing and valuable
instruction, developing a mastering of expedient which has brought about
wonderful results. The subject of this
review is a worthy representative of that type of American character, and his
life stands in exemplification of the opportunities afforded to young men who
are ambitious and energetic. At the
early age of ten years he stated out upon his business career and has steadily
worked his way upward, overcoming the obstacles and difficulties in his path
and at length attained the place of affluence.
His is now engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigars, tobacco and
smoker’s articles at Grass Valley, and is numbered among the enterprising
businessmen of the place.
Mr. Parsons is a native of Branch
County, Michigan, born January 7, 1858, his parents being Renoldo
and Sarah (Misner) Parsons. The father, a farmer by occupation, was a
native of New York and a representative of a family that for eight generations
has resided upon this continent.
Removing from the east, he took up his residence in the Wolverine state,
where he engaged in agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which
occurred in February, 1863. His wife was
a native of Ohio and was of German lineage, the Misner
family having been founded in Pennsylvania at an early day.
Mr. Parsons spent his childhood and
youth in the county of his nativity, pursuing his education in the public
schools; but his privileges in that direction were limited, for at the tender
age of ten years he began earning his own livelihood; and whatever success he
has since achieved is the result of his unaided efforts. He learned the cigar-markers’ trade in
Coldwater, Michigan, and after working as a journeyman along that line in
several cities of the Union, he went to Buffalo, New York, where he was
employed three years, after which he returned to Michigan. In 1884 he came to the west, locating first
in Utah, after which he spent some time in San Francisco, whence he removed to
Oakland. In 1884 he came to Grass Valley
and, after working for several months in the employ of D. T. Tietgen, he made a trip to the east. Upon his return to this city he entered into
partnership with his former employer, an association that was maintained until
1888, when Mr. Tietgen sold his interest to Paul
Quick, Sr., and the enterprise has since been carried on under the firm name of
Parsons & Quick.
They manufacture White Labor cigars and also do a retail business in
tobacco and smokers’ articles, having a well appointed establishment at No. 103
Main Street. The quality of their goods
has secured them a liberal patronage and their business has steadily increased
in volume and importance.
Mr. Parsons has been twice married. In Michigan, in 1879, he wedded Miss Dolly
Moore, who died June 3, 1881, and on the 16th of September, 1885, he
wedded Levina A. Quick, of Grass Valley.
They have two children, Raymond W. and Emily. Mr. Parsons takes an active interest in
political affairs, keeps well informed on the issues of the day and gives his
support to the Populist Party. At this
writing he is the chairman of the county central committee and his executive
ability and keen discrimination enables him to control successfully the working
interests of the political organization.
He has filled the office of city treasurer from 1894 until 1896, and was
afterward elected mayor of the city for a term of two years, his administration
being progressive and commendable.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
“A Volume of Memoirs and Genealogy of Representative Citizens of Northern
California”, Pages 328-329. Chicago Standard Genealogical Publishing Co. 1901.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Nevada County Biographies