On the 16th day of June, 1822, the subject of this sketch was born in Tuscaraus County, Ohio. With his parents and the other members of the family he came to Illinois and settled at Sweetwater, Menard County — formerly a part of Sangamon county — during the fall of 1835. In the spring of 1836, the family moved to what is now known as the John Lutz farm, now occupied by H. E. Garrison. This place continued to be his home until he was married. For a number of years after marriage he lived upon the farm now occupied by Caleb Parry; he then bought what is now known as the Geo. Schuman farm and remained there until ten years ago when he and his wife ceased from the activities of life. After retiring, Mr. and Mrs. Parry made their home with the Schuman family; and since the death of Mrs. Parry, Mr. Parry has made his home with his son, Jesse and his daughter, Mrs. George Schuman. He died at the George Schuman home on the 11th day of November, 1910. He was 88 years, 4 months and 25 days at the time of his death.
Mr. Parry was married to Miss Maranda Walker, August 10, 1842. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary August 10, 1892. Mrs. Parry died March 26, 1901.
This couple were the parents of nine children. Five of the children are dead; namely: Isaac, Cathrine, Rheuanne, Caleb and William. The four children still living are: Jesse, who lives on a farm southeast of Astoria; John, of Fairbury, Illinois; Stephen, living in Astoria and Mrs. Flora Belle Schuman, the wife of Geo. Schuman, southwest of Astoria.
Nineteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild are the other living dependents of this aged man. The great-great-grandchild is little Carl Wickard, who lives near Ipava, Illinois.
The deceased was indeed a pioneer settler of this part of Illinois. He came to this section and settled at a time when there was but one house between the Parry homestead and the city of Rushville. Rushville at that time boasted of a general store and a blacksmith shop, only. It has been his privilege to assist in the building up of the great State of Illinois. He has done his part nobly and well. He has labored hard and made many sacrifices for the betterment of his fellows. His record is one that all of his loved ones may well feel proud of. The things that we hear said of him are good. His life has been long and he leaves many friends and neighbors that speak in the most complimentary way of his life. God granted him a long life, but it is with reluctance that loved ones, friends and neighbors give him up.
Mr. Parry enjoyed the life of a private citizen and sought not the public office; but by the request of friends he frequently served the people as school director and road commissioner. In politics, he was a republican and always stood ready to defend the principles advocated by his party.
He came from a Methodist family, and early in life, became a member of the Methodist church and remained true to the teachings of Christianity until the time for him to say farewell to earth and the church militant. He has now gone to join the church triumphant. Peace to his soul.
“It is enough: our struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus calls us to heaven’s perfect peace.”
The funeral services were held at Oak Grove church, just a short distance west of the Schuman home, Sunday morning, November 13 at 11 o’clock. The funeral was under the direction of Rev. C. M. Wilson of the Astoria Methodist church. The body was buried in the Oak Grove cemetery.
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