Biographical Sketch of
Henry Parry
Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 692 - 694 Henry G. Parry, a prominent citizen of Green Lake County, is the first settler of Kingston Township, where he yet resides, his home being on section 27. The date of his arrival was August, 1845, at which time he purchased the land comprising a part of his present farm. The following are the main facts which have occurred during the life of Mr. Parry: He was born in Wales, on the 24th of May, 1818, and is a son of Griffith and Margaret (Davis) Parry. The family to which he belonged numbered seven children, but only two are now left to perpetuate its history--our subject and his brother Evan, a farmer of Kingston Township. the parents, accompanied by their children, left their native land in 1845 with the intention of making their home in America. On landing on the shores of this country they came direct to Green Lake County, although it had not then been separated from Marquette County. Wisconsin was yet a Territory, and the greater part of the State was still in its primitive condition and in possession of the Government. The father entered a large tract of land of 200 acres, all in one body, and there began life in true pioneer style without a living being, save his own family, for miles around. A shanty was erected, but it was without roof or doors. The inmates of the house were obliged in rainy weather to protect themselves by umbrellas. Many other hardships were endured by them, but time passed and the wild land was converted into a fine farm, which yielded a ready return for the care and labor bestowed upon it. After two years Mr. Parry passed away, but ere his death he saw his family comfortably situated, part of the land was improved, some stock had been purchased and all arrangements had been completed, so that in a short time its well-tilled fields would have doubled in value and furnish to his family all the necessaries and many of the comforts of life. His wife survived him until 1876, when she was called home. She was a devoted member of the Calvinist Church, and was beloved by all for her many excellencies of character. Our subject was reared to manhood under the wise counsel of a tender father and loving mother, who early instilled into the minds of their children lessons of industry and uprightness, which had much to do in making them what they now are, but aside from this he received no special advantages. When he arrived at years of manhood he chose for himself a helpmate in the person of Miss Margaret Jones. Their wedding took place in Wales, where they resided until 1845, which year witnessed their arrival in America. The following year Mr. Parry built a good log house upon his present farm, and under it low roof many happy years were passed. It still stands as a memento of their life on the frontier, and will continue to mark the spot of their first location until time shall have effaced it. Five children were there born and awakened the echoes with their laughter and fun, making light and sunshine in the parents' heart. One child had accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Parry to this country, John, who is now engaged in carriage-making in Cambria, Wis.; Margaret, the first born in Wisconsin, became the wife of George Price, a farmer of the town of Kingston; Jane is the wife of Evan Humphrey, also of the town of Kingston; Mary died at the age of eighteen years; Griffith, who is now deceased, wedded Miss Margaret Williams, who now resides in Kingston Township, with their daughter, Margaret E.; and Robert is a wagon and carriage manufacturer of Kingston, Wis. The mother of these children was called to her final rest in 1869, her death occurring on the 18th of January. She was a consistent member of the Calvinistic Methodist Church, and died in that faith. Mr. Parry was again married, Oct. 16, 1880, when Diadama Price became his wife. She is a native of Livingston County, N. Y., and the daughter of Lemuel and Elmira (Summers) Price. Her father was a native of New Jersey, but was reared in Pennsylvania, and her mother was born in Vermont. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Parry, in 1887, having survived her husband, who died in New York about thirty years before. Mr. Parry has been one of the prosperous farmers of Kingston Township, and is justly deserving of the success which he has met, as he was industrious, persevering, diligent and enterprising. He removed from the old log cabin to his present home in 1862, it having been erected that year. It is a commodious frame dwelling, constructed upon a natural building site, and its well-kept lawn, together with the shade and ornamental trees which surround it makes it, one of the most beautiful homes in the county. It is neatly and tastefully furnished, and all the comforts of life are there provided. Beginning his business career in limited circumstances, Mr. Parry has since become one of the well-to-do farmers of the community, having 195 acres which pay tribute to his car and cultivation. He has been an active participant in the great changes and rapid transformation which has taken place in the county during his long residence of forty-five years, and deserves no little credit for his untiring efforts in behalf of its leading enterprises and in support of its best interests. He has given to the school and to the church, and has never refused his aid if he believed the cause for which it was solicited to be a worthy one. For twenty-five years he was associated with O. W. Bow, as a member of the Town Board of Supervisors, and has also held other local offices of honor and trust. For many years he affiliated with the Democratic party, but since 1886 he has been a Prohibitionist, and strongly advocates the party principles. He and his wife are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are held in the highest esteem by all who know them.
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