162 163 164 165 166 167 168 IV. Lucy Ann Parsons, b. January 11, 1820; d. May V. Harriet Matilda Parsons, b. March 22, 1822; d. VI. Charles Parsons, b. January 24, 1824; m. Martha VII. Levi Parsons, b. January 24, 1826; d., St. Louis, VIII. Emily Parsons, b. June 11, 1828; d. Decem- IX. George Parsons, merchant and banker, b. Gouverneur, N. Y., January 2, 1830; m., October 23, 1855, Emily Lycett Barnum, b. April 30, 1830. X. Helen Maria Parsons, b. July 19, 1834; d. August 6, 1863; m., November 16, 1858, George B. Boardman. PHILO PARSONS. Tribute by Prof. Joseph L. Daniels, of Olivet College, Michigan, Dec. 2, 1897. Mr. Philo Parsons was born at Scipio, N. Y., February 6, 1817. His early years were spent in Gouverneur, Homer, and Perry, N. Y. At the latter place, he entered into business with his father under the firm name of L. B. Parsons & Son. And he also married there, in 1843, Miss Ann Eliza Barnum. Their long and happy married life was terminated in 1893 by the death of Mrs. Parsons, Mr. Parsons following her three years later, dying at Winchenden, Mass., January 20, 1896. Eight children were born to them, of whom seven survived their parents. In 1844, Mr. Parsons removed to Detroit, Mich., and entered upon the grocery business under the firm of Parsons & James. A few years later he established a private bank. In 1861, when the Government created the national banking system as an aid in carrying on the war, Mr. Parsons was the leader in organizing the First National Bank of Detroit, was its first president, and for many years one of its directors. He did much to promote the commercial prosperity of Detroit. He entered heartily into the project for bringing the Wabash Railroad into the city, was an active member of the Board of Trade, and for a time its president. For many years he 160 represented his own city in the National Board of Trade and was honored repeatedly as one of its vice-presidents. His discussions in these national conventions show a wealth of information, a candor and breadth of view, and a discrimination akin to prophecy. He was an ardent lover of his own city and State, and yet on one occasion explained his vote, apparently against their interests, as "for the greatest good of the greatest number." Mr. Parsons was active in the municipal affairs of Detroit, and for a time a member of its council. The State, too, more than once conferred upon him distinguished honors and trusts; notably as commissioner to the Yorktown Centennial, and as chairman of the Commission to secure the statue of General Lewis Cass to be placed in the Capitol at Washington. He brought to this work all the enthusiasm of a lifelong friendship and a patriotic pride for the honor of his beloved State. The statue, almost vocal with life, crowned his many months of toil and effort and was one of the great joys of his life. He honored himself in honoring the State. Yet political offices and honors he did not seek. He even declined to consider them when they merely appealed to his personal ambition. Too much Puritanic and revolutionary blood flowed in his veins to ever regard public offices as anything but a sacred trust, a patriotic service. Mr. Parsons had a lively interest in agriculture, was an active member of the State Agricultural Society of Michigan, and served most acceptably as its president. He was an enthusiast in horticulture and fruit culture, and found relaxation and pleasure in personal work in his own garden, one of the finest in Detroit. He was a royal entertainer, and was never happier than when sharing the hospitality of his elegant home with his friends. His benevolence was a matter of principle. He took special delight in aiding young men who were preparing for the work of Christian ministry. He was one of the largest and most systematic givers to the cause of missions. He was an enthusiastic believer in education. While several institutions were looking with eager eyes toward the Ram Library at Heidelberg, Mr. Parsons bought and donated it in its entirety to the Michigan State University. In keeping with his father's spirit, he was especially devoted to the Christian College. He early became interested in Olivet College, Michigan. For thirty-six years he was a member of its board of trustees. He built his name into the history and even the very walls of the college. Parsons Hall and the Parsons Professorship are hon |