Biography of John M Parrott, St Francis County, AR

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Submitted by: Paul V Isbell
        Date: 14 Nov 2008
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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Transcribed by Lisa Hamilton from 
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SOURCE:  Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern 
Arkansas. Chicago:Goodspeed Publishers, 1890.
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CSA - CIVIL-PIONEER-1839  - [10 1814 to  3 23 1896] - CITY Cemetery

John M. Parrott, a retired lawyer of Forrest City, is native of Tennessee. His
father, John Parrott, moved to that State at a very early day in its history,
where he engaged in the saddlery business, serving as a soldier in the War of
1812. He died in 1845, his wife surviving him twenty years. They were the
parents of a large family, of whom John M., our subject, who was born in
Jefferson County, Tenn., in October, 1814, is the only survivor. He lived at his
native town, Dandridge, attending the academy at that place, until seventeen
years of age, when his father moved upon a farm in the vicinity. In 1836 he
commenced life for himself at Blountsville, Ala., going into the mercantile
business, and three years later came to St. Francis County, continuing the same
business at Madison. In 1840 he was appointed deputy clerk by Isaac Mitchel,
then clerk of the St. Francis circuit court, and in 1842 was elected circuit
clerk, which office he filled with such satisfaction to the citizens that he was
made his own successor for fourteen years in succession; during this time he
applied himself closely to the study of law, and in 1856 he was admitted to the
bar and commenced practicing, which he followed until within a few years, when
be retired from active professional life. In 1864 Mr. Parrott was elected to the
legislature, but did not serve the term, owing to the fact of there being no
session that year. In 1874 he was delegate to the constitutional convention. He
was a candidate for nomination for the office of auditor of State in 1876, but
was beaten by John Crawford. During the war he entered the Confederate service
and acted as assistant adjutant, though being in no engagements. Mr. Parrott has
been twice married; first, in 1841, to Rhoda Johnson, who died in 1858. His
second union, in 1859, was to Mrs. Johnson (nee Witter). They are the parents of
six children, three of whom are still living: Kate C. (now Mrs. Martin), Ida Lee
(now Mrs. Miller) and Mattie A., all residing in this county. Mr. Parrott has
been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, for the past forty-five
years. He is also connected with the Masonic order. 

It is with the feeling of great sorrow that the Times chronicles the death of
Judge John P. Parrott. which sad event occurred at his home, five miles north of
the city, on Monday, March 23rd, 1896, in the eighty second year of his age. He
was buried in the family cemetery, near Andrew's Landing, on the following day,
under the auspices of the F. & A. Masons. Judge Parrott settled in this county
in 1835, having moved from Knoxville, Tenn. He represented the county in the
only two constitutional conventions held by our state, and held the office of
circuit court clerk for fourteen years., and served as County and Probate Judge
for one term. There never lived a purer or more honored citizen in this county,
and to his last day on earth wore his crown of labor, love, and forebearance
meekly, submitting to his long suffering with resignation and courage to the
last. May the rising generation imitate his noble life, and that in death they
too may be prepared to go in peace. Judge Parrott was a member of the Bar of
Eastern Arkansas, and highly esteemed by all the courts. The service was
officiated by Dr. H. P. Dooley and Gen. Geo. P. Taylor, in a sweetly impressive
manner. He was a charter member of the W. M. W. and brethren of the Rising Star
Lodge, and was the first Secretary of the lodge. -3-27-1896 FCTimes