Mellville Parrott - A representative business man of Mount Gilead, Morrow county, Ohio, and one whose loyalty and public spirit have prompted him to do all in his power to conserve the progress and development of this section of the fine old Buckeye state is Mellville Parrott, who is a native son of Mount Gilead  and a scion of an old Pennsylvania family.  He was born on the 4th of March, 1854, and is a son of Simeon S. and Mary Hiddleson Parrott, the former of whom  was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of whom  claimed Morrow county, Ohio, as the place of her birth.  Both were born in the year  1818, and the father came to Morrow county, Ohio, in the year 1837, settling on a farm near Mount Gilead.  Mrs. Parrott came to this county with he parents, as a young girl, and her marriage was solemnized in September, 1840.  To this union were horn the following  children: Nelson, Clark, Mellville, Louise and Dora. Nelson and Clark are both deceased; Mellville is the immediate subject of this review; Louise is the wife of N. N.  Hiskett, and resides in Morrow county; and Dora married I. M. Lautz, of Vinton county.  Simeon S. Parrott died in 1904 and his cherished wife was summoned to eternal rest in 1901.
 Mellville Parrott was reared to the sturdy discipline of the home farm which was situated one mile southeast of Mount Gilead, and during the busy seasons he assisted his father in the work and management thereof, attending school during the winter terms. When eighteen years of age he gave his entire time to farming  and the raising of high-grade stock and he continued to be thus engaged until 1910, in which year he opened a coal yard at Mt. Gilead. In the latter line of enterprise he has been most successful, controlling a large trade and conducting a prosperous business.  He owns forty acres of fine land in Gilead township, one quarter of a  mile southwest of Mount Gilead, and on the same raises corn of  exceptional quality, samples of which have been exhibited in many  states of the Union.  He makes a specialty of the Johnson county white and the Reed yellow corn and for the same has been awarded premiums in many of the state fairs.  Mrs. Parrott is the owner of one acre of real estate in Mount Gilead, the same being located on West high street, near the Toledo & Ohio Central Railroad.

       Simeon Parrott, one of our most aged residents, died at his home, a short distance southwest of town, at 4 o'clock a. m. , on Tuesday of this week, aged 86 years. The funeral services will be held at his late residence this (Thursday) afternoon at 1:30 sun time, the interment to be made in River Cliff cemetery.
      Mr. Parrott was well known and highly respected citizen and his death is mourned by the entire community. His life was one of rare activity and his long career one of usefulness. He retained his vigor until a ripe old age and has left behind him  a glowing record of his achievements. For some time he has been in poor health, but he met sickness with the same brave spirit with which he met all life's battles and made a gallant fight against death. The aged gentleman's esteemed wife, after a union of over fifty years preceded him to the better land but a few years ago.

From the Morrow County Sentinel  November 17, 1904

.    David Armstrong, 76 years old, for 45 years a resident of South Bend, died Sunday morning at 2 o'clock at his home, 311 East LaSalle avenue, from a complication of diseases. Mr. Armstrong was born in Tingio. Pa., Feb.4, 1840 and came to South Bend from Constantine, Mich.; He is survived by his wife, Josephine, and two children, Charles, 503 Harrison avenue, and Mrs. W. A. Brown of Baroda, Mich.: also three sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Martin of Chicago; Mrs. Anna Raiber, of Sylvania, O., and Mrs. Della Garceau, of Muskegon, Mich. Funeral  services will be  held Tuesday  afternoon at  2 o'clock from  the residence, Rev. John S. Burns officiating. Burial will be in the city cemetery Mr. Armstrong was a member of the G. A. R., having enlisted in the army Aug. 16, 1861, with company F, 49th Ohio. He and Mrs. Armstrong observer their golden wedding anniversary Dec. 28, 1915.

This obituary from the South Bend Tribune Monday, June 19, 1916

     The son of Robert and Hannah Wicoff Haughey, was born Nov. 6, 1824, and died June 28, 1914, aged 89 years, 7 months and 23 days. His early life was spent with his parents in Jefferson county, Ohio. When 9 years old the family moved to Wayne, county, Ohio, where the subject of this sketch grew to young manhood. When 19 years of age he, in company of his eldest brother, made the journey to Steuben county on foot and erected a log cabin on the spot where, later, he erected the comfortable home occupied by himself and family for so many years, in Otsego, township. At the age of 22 years he returned to Wayne county, Ohio, and married Mary Catherine Gerst, the young lady selected by him to be his helpmeet in the wilds of Indiana and the mother of his eight children, Hannah, William, Mary, Laura, Phoebe, Emily, Frank, and Christiana, who died at the age of 3 1/2 years; William died 24 years ago at the age of 38 years; Frank died 6 years ago at the age of 41 years. All the rest of the children survive together with 24 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren to be the pride, the comfort and the loving care of this aged father, the mother having died twenty-four years ago. Mr. Haughey was married a second time to Mary Rachel Martin, who died ten years ago.
    Mr. Haughey comes of a stalwart family of sixteen children, all of whom have preceeded him to the great beyond except one brother living at Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 86 years, and one sister in Williams county, Ohio, at the age of 75 years. The death of the subject of this sketch deserves something more than passing notice, because he was a man of wonderful intelligence, of remarkable memory, and well informed not only upon the passing current events that occurred during his long and useful life, but also he was an exhaustive student of science, philosophy, history and literature. Especially was he well versed in the beautiful science astronomy and the laws of physical universe. Kepler, Newton, Gallileo, Copernicus, Tycho, Brahe, Darwin, Tyndall and Huxley were household words to him for he loved their achievements in science. He taught school, both in Ohio and in Indiana and for a time a student at Oberlin college, but spent most of his life as one of the most intelligent  and progressive farmers of Steuben county. He was brave, cheerful, patient; optimistic, always looking for the bright side of life; kind and courteous to everybody; a kind and indulgent husband and father, he loved and sought always the "good, the beautiful and the true." After lifes fitful fever, rest in peace, Oh thou man of spledid character, of noble ideals and unselfish life, for you have come a little nearer than most men to a realization of the thought of the poet:
 

This obituary from the Steuben Republican July 8,1914

   David O. Parrott, son of Sylvester and Henrietta Parrott, was born at Crestline, Ohio, March 26,1844, and died at the home of his son, Lee,in South Bend, December 17, 1925. When a small child his parents came to Stueben county, locating near Metz. Here he lived for a number of years, later moving with his family to a farm near Pleasant Lake.
   In 1866 he was married to Mary Brandeberry, who preceded him in death nineteen years ago. To this union were born three children, Louella A. Cross, Clyde and Lewell E. Parrott. Clyde and Louella passed to the higher life some years ago. One son, two brothers and numerous other relatives survive who are richer because of their memories of him.
   For many years, in connection with his farm life, he worked at the trade of carpenter. As a workman he was conscientious and painstaking. He was unassuming  in his relation to his fellowmen, yet all recognized his integrity and kindliness of spirit. His life was not without its sorrows, but these he bravely and unflinchingly. Carrying his own cares easily, he was sympathetic and tender to those who were burdened. He met adversity with courage. His day of service for others ended suddenly when he suffered a serious accident. This prevented him from further activity in the affairs of life, but in his inactivity he was both cheery and content. For long years God had been his friend and the sunset of life found him certain of the "joy which cometh in th morning."

 Hannah Louisa, daughter of Timothy and Mary Gerst Haughey, was born Sept. 20,1849. She was the second child in a family of eight.
  Her early home was the log cabin built in the heart of a forest. The forest was her playground. She knew the blazed trail, the only path by which the few and scattered neighbors were able to reach one another.
  At the age of ten she started to school, guided through the woods by such a path especially for her. She went alone crossing a creek on a log. She carried McGuffey's Forth Reader with which she was already quite familiar.
  Her father, a pioneer school teacher, had listened to lessons by light of the fireplace and the tallow candle. As a mere child she assumed responsible duties in the home. In that early day, the home was, of necessity, a work shop,supplying the various family needs. Her industry and aptness along these lines were a material aid in the building and supporting of the pioneer home. Her deft fingers fashioned garments and helped to spin the threads of the fabric. In every department of the household she was a willing and efficient worker.
  Later she taught in the public schools, begining at the early age of 17 years.
  In the year 1874 she was united in marriage with John Willennar and together, hand in hand, they walked through the sunshine and shadow of life the long span of 64 years. Four children were born to them, three of whom are living: Will H., of Auburn; Mrs. Rilla Parrott of South Bend, and Ford, of near Pleasant Lake. The husband and one son, John Jr. passed into the beyond several years ago.
  As a wife and mother she was faithful and untiring in her effort to perform her whole duty. She was a rock of strength to her family.
  Nor were her interests confined to the home alone. She was active in various groups which aimed at the betterment of the community at large. The church with its activities was her field of service, whatever and where ever it might be. Creed meant nothing, she labored where work was needed.
  In her former home at Pleasant Lake she was an ardent member of the Baptist Church. Womens Christian Temperance group claimed her efficient service as its president for a number of years.
  She was industrious and frugal to a fault, throughout her life; staunch in her own moral principles and the advocacy of them, she was not easly swayed by the modern change or custom.
  Her marked mental alertness she retained to the last. When she slipped quietly away Oct. 7, to be with her maker.
  In her passing, she leaves seven devoted grandchildren, Aileen Willennar Close, Garst, Wendall and Esther Parrott, and Orlie and Edgar Willennar. She also leaves nine great grandchildren, also three sisters, Mrs. Mary Cameron, Mrs. Emily Watkins and Mrs. Laura Teegardin. These together with many warm neighbors and friends will grieve to find her place vacant.
  Funeral services were held in the Swift Funeral Home at Hamilton, Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, and were conducted by Rev. Paul Stevenson of the Methodist Church in the Hamilton Cemetery.

From the Newspaper obituary

"Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties"
published by Goodspeed Brothers Publishers 1893.

Celebrate Anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Parrott Married Fifty Years
Entire Family and Friends Join Celebration for Estimable Citizens on Sunday

    During the past week in the home of Mr. & Mrs. Henry S. Parrott happiness has reigned supreme. To them has been given the blessed privilege their golden wedding anniversary and also Mrs. Parrott's birthday.
    All of their children were present and all of the grandchildren except one, Robert Parrott; Mrs. Elizabeth Schiefer and her daughter Margaret came from their home in Galion, O. last Friday; Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Schiefer and daughter Miriam , of Syracuse, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Parrott and son Ted, of South Bend, also daughter Mildred of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Parrott and daughter Alice Marie, of St. Joseph, Mo. arrived Sat. Their youngest daughter, Prof. Alice, of Tri-State College, resides in the family home with her parents.
   It was a happy reunion, the first in five years that Mr. and Mrs. Parrott have had their family together and once again on Saturday and Sunday the group gathered around the board in the family home in this city.
   Sunday afternoon at a reception held in honor of the day, relatives, neighbors, and friends called to extend felicitations to the bride and groom of a half a century. Nieces and nephews came from near-by towns as well as from Angola, and Mrs. Parrott's Sunday school class called in a body. Mr. and Mrs. Parrott were recipients of a number of gifts, honoring them and the occasion. Dainty refreshments were served by the daughters and granddaughters.
   On the 14th of Feb. 1881 Henry S. Parrott and Jennie Anspaugh came to Angola in company with their friends, Homer Robinson and Miss Jennie Lash, and , in a double wedding ceremony were married by the past of the Christian Church, Elder A. S. Hale. Both Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have past away.
    Mr. and Mrs. Parrott spent the early years of their married lives and reared their family on their farm in Williams Co., Ohio, near Columbia. They became prominent citizens  in that community and made many friends, still enjoying and extended acquaintance in their old neighborhood, which hold them in high esteem.
   In 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Parrott, because of failing health, left the farm and and came to Angola, where they purchased the Mrs. Clara Burkhart residence on W. Maumee St. Here as in Williams, Co., they have made friends in the community and the Christian church, where they are devoted and consistent members.
   We extend congratulations and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Parrott, and trust they may enjoy health and happiness for many years yet to come.

This is from the newspaper society page

   A very merry company of relatives and friends from this city and from Michigan gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Armstrong, 311 east Water street on Thursday evening, March 30, to witness the marriage of their only daughter, Miss Mary Armstrong, to Mr. William B. Brown, of Baroda, Mich.
  The pastor of the family, Rev. 0. L. Prentice was detained by a belated train, and after prayer meeting Rev. N. D. Williamson was called in and married them with the ring service, Miss Grace H. Winter being bridesmaid and Mr. Charles Armstrong, brother of the bride, groomsman. There was a collection of useful presents. An excellent lap supper was served in four courses, seasoned with the laughter that helps with digestion, and accompanied by a mild specimen of street music. After visiting friends in Mendon and Constantine, Mich., the bright eyed bride and her ex-bachelor husband will settle down on his farm near Baroda, Berrien county, where the good wishes of many friends will follow them.

This is from the newspaper society page

     John Mitchell Parrott, son of Sylvester and Henrietta Parrott, was born at Ontario, Richland County, Ohio, March 5,1837.
In 1853 he moved to Steuben County, Ind., where he resided until August of 1861, when he enlisted in Company A, 44th Indiana Volunteers. He was attached to the Army of the West and participated in the battle of Shiloh and Fort Donaldson. After serving 1 year he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and transferred to the 74th Indiana.
  On December 21, 1862, he was married to Mary Hortense Durand at Galion Ohio.  After residing in Galion and Akron until 1867, He moved to a farm in Metz, In. In 1875 he moved with his family to Bryan, Ohio where he has since resided.
  He leaves two Daughters to mourn his loss: Mrs. Alice Sifleet of Berea,    Ohio and Mrs. Jenny Niederaur of Bryan, Ohio. A son Edward Anson died in early childhood.
   He passed away at the home of his daughter Mrs. Alice sifleet at Berea  Ohio, on February 14, 1919.

 The Steuben Republican February 26, 1919

     RENSBERGER---- Mrs. Rachael Rensberger, widow of Wm. Rensberger who died about 22 years ago, died at her home five miles south - east of New Paris at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon of cancer. She was born in York  County , Pa. Nov. 8, 1841. She was survived by three sons and six  daughters, one sister, two  brothers, and thirteen grand  children. The funeral will occur at the German Baptist church four and a half miles south -- east of New Paris Thursday forenoon, friends to meet at the late home at 9 o'clock. The interment will be made at the Baintertown cemetery..

The Goshen Daily Democrat, Tuesday, September 1, 1903. Price of the newspaper was Two Cents

 Be it known that I Manias Warstler of the county of Kosciusco in the State of Indiana. Being of full age and of sound mind and disposing memory and ____ mindfully of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death make and publish this my last will and testament in __________ and form following.

First:        I direct that after my death my body be decently buried and a proper and suitable, but not expensive tombstone be placed at my grave.

Second:   That my debts and funeral expenses be paid as soon as possible after my death and for that purpose I devise to my wife Rebecca Warstler all my personal property of every kind and direct that she use of what she can spare of said property enough to pay my debts including the balance due on my land, and if there is any such personal property remaining it shall be the absolute property of my said wife.

Third:     For the purpose of enabling my beloved wife aforsaid to take care of and raise my children, I devise and give to her the entire use and income of my real estate of which I may ____   ______ as long as she remains my widow, but if she should ___  ______ to again marry then I direct that she take the one third of such real estate and of the income therof.

Fourth:    I direct that if there should be a chance to sell my real estate and reinvest the proceeds in another home more suitable and pleasant for my said wife I hereby authorize and enpower  her and her brother Sylvanus Hisey to sell and convey any and all land of which I may die seized and to execute deeds of conveyance to purchasers therefor consigning to such purchasers the absolute title thereto without any order of court or any other legal process thereof in laud again for the benifit of my said wife and all my children.

Fifth:    After the death or remarriage of my said wife I direct that the two thirds of the real estate of which I may die seized or of such real estate as may be purchased as provided in item fourth shall be divided equally among my children or if any of them be dead then the share of such deceased child shall go to his or her legal heirs.

Sixth:   I hereby revoke all former wills by me _______ and I ________appoint my beloved wife Rebecca and her brother Sylvanus Hisey executors of my last will and testament and direct them to carry its provisions into full effect and they be not required to give any bond or take out any letters of _________   __________  or be to any other legal expense whatever except __________ and recording this my will. I hereby conferming on them full authority and power to carry out and execute this my last will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 19th day of September 1883.
                                                                              his
                                                                 Manias   X   Warstler
                                                                              mark

    A.C. Parrott. farmer and stock raiser in Section 14, South Platte Township, homesteaded eighty acres in 1876, and located on his farm in January, 1877.  He was born in Virginia in 1853, early became familiar with the details of farm life, received his education in Ohio, and when twenty four years of age came to Hall County, Nebraska, where he engaged in farming on his present property. He erected a sod cabin in the spring of 1877, and lived in that  until the fall of 1883, when he erected a good frame house, improved the place, set out an orchard and now has his farm in a good state of cultivation.  He was married in Hall County, Neb, in 1879, to Miss Marion Gray, a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter of Robert and Rachel (Chambers) Gray. natives of Ogdensburg, N.Y  Mr. Grey moved to Walworth County, Wis, at an early day, and in 1878 emirated to Hall County, Neb, settling in South Platte Township, where he purchased a partly improved farm. He died in Hall County, March 20, 1888, but his wife is still living and makes her home in South Platte Township.  Mrs. Parrott had three brothers in service during the late war, Dallas enlisted in the artillery, and was all through the war.  His death occurred in Montana, in August, 1880.  Bruce enlisted in 1863 in the cavalry, took cold, came home and died with the consumption. Leslie enlisted in 1863 in the infantry service, was in active duty for some time, and was coming home by way of the Atlantic when the vessel in which he took passage was lost with all on board.  After his marriage Mr. Parrott settled where he now resides, has a well improved place, likes the State, and is one of its prominent citizens.  He is not active in politics, but votes with the Republican party.  To his marriage were born five children: Robert, Luda, Georgia, Ora, and Johnny (who died in infancy). Mr. Parrott is the son of Abraham and Margaret (Burchard) Parrott, natives of Ohio.  After their marriage the parents settled in Virgina and remained there some time, the father engaging in teaching school.  His death occurred in May, 1853. The mother died in Hall County, Neb, in January,  1889.  They were the parents of six children, A.C. being the youngest. One of these children, William, was in the service,  He enlisted in Company I. One hundred and Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, under Gens, Hunter and Sheridan, and was in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Creek and others.  He was taken prisoner, confined at Libby, Belle Isle and Castle Thunder, and was in the prisons of the South for several months. He received a gun shot wound at Cedar Creek.  Our subject was among the pioneer settlers of Hall County, and has always taken an acttive interest in all that relates to the good of the community.

 HISTORY OF NEBRASKA,  BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL MEMOIRS OF NEBRASKA. ADAMS,                 CLAY, HALL, AND HAMILTON COUNTIES. PRINTED 1890.

    Know by all men present, that we William Parrott and Elizabeth Parrott of the County of Athens, and State of Ohio, in consideration of the sum of six Hundred Dollars in hand paid by Thomas Parrott of the same place do hereby release and forever quit claim unto the said Thomas Parrott his heirs and signs forever all our title, interest, our legal and equitable in the following, with the appendenance, situate in Troy Township,in said Athens County, and bounded and described as follows to wit: Sixty Four Acres of land in Section number Thirty Three (33) -----#5, of Range 11, in the Ohio Company-----commencing at the S.W. corner of said Section, thence North one hundred and sixty rods, thence South eighty rods, thence West thirty rods, thence South Seventy two rods, thence West Twenty Five rods, thence South Eighty rods to the place of beginning. also; another piece of land situate in Section and Range afforesaid described as follows, commencing seven rods East of the N.W. corner of John DeWofs land, thence West Fifteen rods, thence a westerly course Twenty to the road leading from Coolville to Athens,thence 13 rods to the place of beginning supposed to contain three fourths (3/4) of an acre more or less.  To have and to hold said premises with the ----Thomas Parrott and his heirs and-----forever in testimony whereof the said William Parrott and hereunto set the hands and seals this 7th day of June A.D. 1862.