Rochester, Monroe, NY
Union & Advertiser
Mon Feb 10, 1873
DEATH OF HON. THOMAS PARSONS
The public will scarcely be surprised
to hear that our fellow citizen Hon. Thomas PARSONS is no more. He expired at
half-past six this morning. His illness and the absence of all ground for hope
of his recovery has been the subject of frequent notice by the press in the
past few days. His disease, rheumatism, had afflicted him for years at times,
and the attacks had been often so severe as to carry him to the very doors of
death. Each successive attack did its work to undermine his naturally strong
constitution, until the last and fatal came. For weeks past he suffered as
never before, and for the last few days he could receive no nourishment, and
finally sank through exhaustion. He bore his sufferings with heroic fortitude,
and made his preparations for death with due deliberation.
Mr. PARSONS
was active as a politician and took a prominent part in public affairs. He was
an Alderman in 1851, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8, and at other times we believe
held other offices in the city. As an Alderman he was a working member of
the Board and his influence was always felt. In 1858 he was elected a Member
of Assembly and distinguished himself in that body. In 1866 he was elected to
the Senate and served a term of two years representing the local interests of
his constituents creditably. In those measures of a public character that have
from time to time interested our city Mr. P. usually interested himself in and
was generally on the side of progress. For the greater part of the time
that he resided in our city he was engaged in the lumber trade, operating saw
mills and dealing largely in oak and other heavy timber for ship building. In
this important department he has probably done more than any other man who
resided in Rochester. He has also operated extensively elsewhere, at
Tonawanda, and in various parts of Canada. He reached out into the country all
about, far and near, where the stately oaks could be found, felled them and
brought them into market to serve the wants of commerce. It is recently that
he purchased large tracts of land in Canada, directly across the lake, and had
engaged in converting the timber to merchantable uses. In his business
operations Mr. PARSONS displayed most forcibly his great energy of character.
He hesitated at nothing in the way of a business operation through feat
that he could not master it. Misfortune sometimes overtook him, but it never
disheartened. Even under the weight of illness sufficient to appal the
stoutest heart, he still pressed on the work. As an earnest man of business
Thomas PARSONS did much for Rochester and was one she cau_illy afford to lose.
Mr. PARSONS
married a daughter of the late Richard GORSLINE and she survives him. He
leaves three sons and a daughter. His eldest son is ex-Ald Cornelius PARSONS.
His brothers are younger and minors.
James W.
PARSONS, the eldest son of deceased, died only a few days since at Erie, Pa.,
and his remains were brought here for interment. His father was then too
feeble to attend the funeral.
From the
book published in 1867, known as "Life Sketches of the Assembly," we
quote the following in relation to deceased.
"In
Senator PARSONS is such a good illustration of success in life gained over
unfavorable circumstances and surroundings. Seldom in any other country than
our own can humble parentage and the hindrance of poverty be overcome, and
wealth, position and influence be obtained. What wonder, then, that they who
in the old Motherland see before them only a future of dreary toil and
miserable return, seek our hospitable shores, knowing that under the freedom
of republican government the future promises all things to him who puts forth
earnest endeavor !"
Senator
PARSONS was born in Ch__, Berkshire, England, Jan. 7th, 1814. His parents were
both English. A common school education was afforded him, until his fourteenth
year, when he engaged as a shepherd. Four years of his youth were spent in
this manly occupation, and then came a desire for a different field of labor.
Actuated by this, he emigrated to America in the year 1832, leaving
England in advance of his parents. By some means he was led to the Garden of
the Empire State, commonly spoken of, in those days, as "the Genesee
Country," and lived out, as a farm hand, in the town of Wheatland, Monroe
county. Here he labored at chopping cord-wood, husking corn, and performing
the various services incident to farm life, for the very modest recuperation
of seven dollars per month. About four years more were thus spent, and at the
end of that time he went to Rochester, where he has since continued to reside
most of the time. He is now a manufacturer of lumber, doing a large milling
business in that line. His mill is located near the brink of the
beautiful Genesee Falls, and there, during business hours, he may be
generally found, busily engaged in overseeing employes, &c."
"In the
years 1851, '52, '53, '54, '57 and '58 Senator PARSONS was a member of the
Common Council of the "Flour City," being elected Alderman by the
Democratic party, with which he was then identified. Having done excellent
service in this capacity, he was in 1857, elected to the Assembly, when he
made a good record as an efficient, straight forward Representative. He
severed his connection with the Democratic party in the summer of 1860,
sustaining the Administration of Abraham LINCOLN. His election to the Senate
was the result of an unusually bitter canvass, in which Amon BRONSON,
Conservative Republican, nominated by the Democrats, was defeated by a
majority of six hundred."
"Senator PARSONS occupies a good position as a legislator. He is a
member of the Cana committee, and also of the Committee on Engrossed Bills,
and of Privileges and Elections. He is a close observer of the proceedings of
the Senate, and brings into legislative business the same careful
consideration which has insured his success in every day transactions of
life. Possessed of good sound common sense a requisite with which all
politicians are not gifted - he weighs well his actions, and is always prudent
and thoughtful, and thoroughly watching over the interests of his
constituents. The great commercial concerns of the State receive his constant
and unceasing care: the canals, more especially, find in him a zealous
protector."
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BRACKETT HOUSE
This day the proprietorship of this
excellent hoistry changed hands. Mr. C. D. KELLOGG retiring and Messrs. A. A.
ALLEN and S. M. HILDRETH assuming charge. The numerous friends of the new
hosts took occasion this forenoon to call on them and wish them success in
their new enterprise. Mr. ALLEN has large experience as a hotel keeper, and
Mr. HILDRETH will soon make himself acquainted with the business, and his
thousands of personal friends will be sure to stop at the Brackett House when
in the city. It will always be the earnest endeavor of Messrs. ALLEN and
HILDRETH to add to the already high reputation of the Brackett House, and
continue it as a first class hotel in every respect.
The
traveling public will miss a familiar face occasioned by the retirement of Mr.
KELLOGG, who will now take a much needed respite from labor, and his
restoration to health will be heartily wished for by all.
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EDMUND YATES TO-MORROW EVENING - The
New York World says: "In the United States of living English
Novelists, Charles READE is more read than any other, and Edmund YATES comes
next in rank. A tall six foot gentleman, in unexceptionable evening dress and
orthodox white tie, and with the brawn and muscle of a life guardsman. Hearty
laughter and applause are yielded to the energy of his description, and the
excellent delivery of his mimicry. Ladies particularly seem to enjoy the
entertainment." Mr. YATES lectures for the Athenaeum at Corinthian Hall,
to-morrow Tuesday evening.
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DEATH OF AN OLD CITIZEN
Henry BONESTEEL, one of the citizens
of Rochester in its village days, died last night in the adjoining town of
Greece, at the age of 77 years and eight months. We are reminded of Mr.
BONESTEEL as he was forty years ago, when he owned and conducted the Frankfort
House, at the corner of State and Lyell streets, in this city. In those days,
when there was a huge tide of emigration westward through Canada, many took
the way through Rochester and along the Ridge Road. Then every public house
was a place of resort, and the business of a landlord was profitable. The
BONESTEEL Tavern, on the confines of Rochester, came in for its share of
patronage. A few years later Mr. BONESTEEL removed to the town of Greece and
took up his residence on a farm, where he ever after resided. It is but a few
days since we saw him in the streets of the city, and remarked that he was one
of the best preserved old men that was to be seen. He had fewer gray hairs
than many men of twenty-five. Mr. BONESTEEL was an industrious, worthy and
generally respected citizen. He leaves a widow and four children. One son,
Joseph BONESTEEL, and three daughters - Mrs. John LUTES of Rochester, Mrs.
Henry SUGGETT of New York, and Mrs. Charles SULLIVAN of Greece.
We learn
that deceased was in Rochester on Saturday as he frequently was, and appeared
to be quite well. He was attacked suddenly Saturday night after returning home
and survived but a few hours.
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DIED
At his residence in this city, on the
morning of the 10th inst., Thomas PARSONS, aged 59 years.
-Notice of funeral hereafter.
On the 8th inst., Mary H., wife of
Peter PALMER in the 86th (?) of her age.
-Funeral from St. Paul's Church at 2
o'clock p.m. to-morrow (Tuesday). Friends of the family invited to attend.
In Greece, on the evening of the 9th
inst., Henry BONESTEEL, aged 77 years, 7 months and 3 days.
-Notice of funeral hereafter.
In this city, on the 10th, inst., at
his residence, Edward St. JERMAIN.
-Notice of funeral in to-morrow
morning's paper.
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GjS
Union and Advertiser
February 11, 1873 page 3
Rochester, NY Monroe Co.
MARRIED
On Thursday, Feb 6 at St. Paul's Church, New York by Rev. Bishop SIMPSON and Dr.
J. P. DURBIN, Hiram W. SIBLEY of Rochester, N.Y. to Margaret D. HARPER, daughter
of Fletcher HARPER, Jr.
At the residence of the bride's parents, in Dunkirk, on the 10th inst. by the
Rev. P.F. KIDDER, Mrs. Gko. CHAPMAN of this city, and Miss Adella MORRISON of
the former place.
DIED
In this city, on Tuesday, Feb. 10th, 1873 Julia A. THOMPSON in the 47th year of
her age. Funeral on Wednesday, Feb.12th at 2 o'clock from No. 51 Chestnut st.
At his residence in this city, on the morning of the 10th inst. Thomas PARSONS,
aged 59 years. Funeral from No. 34 Stillson st. on Wednesday next at
2 1/2 o'clock p.m. Friends are invited to attend.
In Greece, on the evening of the 9th inst., Henry BONESTEEL, aged 77 years, 7
months and 3 days. Funeral from his late residence, in Greece on Thursday
morning at 10 o'clock. psm
Rochester, Monroe, N.Y.
Union & Advertiser
Feb. 13, 1873
SUDDEN DEATH - Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Wm. H. LEONARD, residing at No. 1 Hibbard st. Was found dead in her bed.
Her son had a short time previously, at her request, assisted her to her bed, when she told him that he would not
again see her alive. On returning to the house he found her dead. Dr. CARR, who was called, gave the opinion that
death was the result of heart disease, and so Coroner HARDER, who had been notified, determined, after holding
inquest to-day.
Submitted By
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GjS