OHIO STATEWIDE FILES OH-FOOTSTEPS Mailing List Issue 117 ************************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgenwebarchives.org ************************************************************************** OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest Volume 03 : Issue 117 Today's Topics: #1 [OH-FOOT] Oh-Fayette-Pickaway-Perr [Archives ] Administrivia: To unsubscribe from OH-FOOTSTEPS-D, send a message to OH-FOOTSTEPS-D-request@rootsweb.com that contains in the body of the message the command unsubscribe and no other text. No subject line is necessary, but if your software requires one, just use unsubscribe in the subject, too. ______________________________ ------------------------------ X-Message: #1 Date: 12 Aug 2003 16:40:38 -0000 From: Archives To: OH-FOOTSTEPS-L@rootsweb.com Message-ID: <20030812164038.6475.qmail@mail.best1-host.com> Subject: [OH-FOOT] Oh-Fayette-Pickaway-Perry Co. News (Parrett Family R) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Fayette-Pickaway-Perry County OhArchives News.....Parrett Family Reunion 1887 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/ohfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Marcia Loudon jloudon@nc.rr.com August 12, 2003, 12:40 pm clipping in scrapbook PARRETT'S REUNION An Immense Family Without Black Sheep. A Reporter Visits The Family Assembly and Takes Notes. A Brief Sketch of their Origin "How d'ye do, sir. How, maybe you don't recollect me, but I think when I tell you of a little circumstance you'll know who I am." "All right sir, go ahead, but I don't know you now." "Well, sir, twenty-seven years ago this month you came to my house and wanted to buy my horse for a price that I didn't think was enough and I wouldn't sell him to you. Remember?" "No, sir, I don't." "Don't? Well, don't you recollect that you came to my house and stayed all night and kept on trying to get that horse. Don't you remember George Parrett." "Oh, ha, ha. I ought to recollect you. Why tarnation yes, I remember all about that time, you wouldn't sell me the either. Well, how are you any how?" S'pose you're going to the reunion." This was the first intimation the reporter had, upon entering a car on the Ohio Southern railroad at Washington, that he had gotten into a whole nest of Parrett. George Parrett, one of the old stock, was trying to impress Uncle Elijah Parrett, of this city, that he ought to remember him, and amid all there was a ceaseless din of voices in salutation of relatives. All were on their way to Parrett's Crossing, a little station six miles from Washington, where the annual reunion of the Parrett family was to take place on Thursday. The reporter was naturally impelled along with the rest and at about eight o'clock was dumped out at the crossing, where a bevy of ruddy faced girls were assembled to welcome the carload of Parretts. They probably didn't expect a reporter of else they would not have appeared so anxious. Anyhow the reporter got off with the rest and was soon being hailed on every side. "How do you do, Mr. Parrett?" "I don't know you, but suppose you are a Parrett, and so how d'ye do." Had not Mr. Mack Parrett been with us to indicate our identity we don't know but what not a few of the Parrett family of the gentler sex would have been embracing one of the Parrett's who had not yet been with them. Anyhow, we went to the Parrett reunion, and it was a glorious affair. There were nearly two hundred of the Parrett race present, and a study of their faces was a pleasant occupation of the reporter all day. The oldest surviving patriarchs of the name were there with their proud carriage and manly bearing, yet beneath it all could be seen the teetering and weakness which creeping age brought forth. There were present the matrons of the younger generation, looking prim and neat in their summer silks and best bonnets. Smiles of gratification fitted across their faces, and nothing could excel the extreme pleasure they must certainly have felt. Then there was present the younger generation, the children's' children, all of them handsome and modest looking boys and girls. The Parrett family ought to be proud of the fifth generation that is accounted for at this reunion. They are the younger ones and not another so large a crowd in the three counties of Pickaway, Fayette, and Ross will average up a more handsome of well-developed generation. The re-union took place the large and beautiful grove of Mr. Joseph Parrett, a short distance from the railroad station and easily accessible by the turnpikes. Upon the ground was erected a suitable platform for the speaker and music, while all around were scattered substantial seats, and a little further away were high tables, upon which was spread a mighty load of good things, well prepared. An organ was placed on the stage for the purpose of furnishing music. The morning train brought to the station fifty-two Parretts from the vicinity of Greenfield and Salem. These were soon reinforced by the arrival of carriage load after carriage load of the family, who drove into the grove from their homes in the immediate neighborhood. The forenoon was entirely taken up by handshaking and recognition of all hands. A new arrival would enter the grove and immediately be taken in hand by a member of the committee who piloted him or her around through the crowd introducing to all and finally conducting them to a pleasant seat with the rest. The early arrivals were mostly of the younger generations, with the exception of Uncle Elijah and his good wife, from Circleville, who got there early. Along about ten o'clock the faces of the middle aged began to wear wistful expressions and their gaze would be frequently turned steadily up and down he road leading to the grove. Evidently the throng would not be happy it there were no more arrivals. Something was lacking to complete the family gathering, and there was much uneasiness. Soon, however, a vehicle drove into the ground and there was a general hum of gratification as the tall and dignified form of Eli Parrett, one of the landmarks, was seen alighting. He straightened himself up briskly, gazed around for a moment, and then that self-satisfied and broad smile, which is so characteristic of the Parrett family, broke out all over his visage and he immediately set about had-shaking he whole company. The quota was not yet full, however, and until the arrival of the other patriarch, good natured old Captain Jon Parrett, of Good Hope, Fayette c., who came in about half-past eleven and immediately set everybody humming with good humor and jollity. At noon luncheon was served upon the rude but comfortably constructed tables, and a general "falling to" was executed. Of the coalition served it is not necessary to delight upon. It was furnished by the Parrett family and everything likely to temper and strengthen a delicate, appetite, such as reporters generally possess, was amply provided. After dinner the real pleasure of the reunion took place. At one o'clock Mr. Stawder Parrett, the President of the reunion committee called the talkative family together, asked them to be seated, and proceeded to announce the program. Little Maude Allen, of Springfield, one of the relatives sang very sweetly an appropriate song, which elicited much applause, after which two other little children sang a comic duet. Rev. R. Roe, the old family minister then offered up a feeling and eloquent prayer for the family and neighbors. Mr. Eli Parrett, the oldest representative of the name present, was then called upon and spoke for a short time. He recounted some of the reminiscences of the family, their successes and battles in life, gave some sterling advice to the younger generations and closed by wishing them all health and happiness. Captain John Parrett, or "John, the cheerful," he should be called, was called. He spoke in a delightful mood for a while and got the entire family in the best of humor. Mr. Joseph Hidy, of the Washington Register, then read an address, which was brimful of good things and was highly appreciated. After this the speaking became of a general character and as the crowd felt disposed they called for the Hon. D I. Worthington and Madison Pavey, both congressional candidates, mingled with the crowd and were called to the platform. Both gentlemen spoke in a happy vein, both wished they were of the Parrett family, and both we are sure, wanted all their votes at the primaries. Both gentlemen are well liked by the Parretts and their friends and they will no doubt experience much uneasiness in choosing between them. Rev. Williams, pastor of the M. E. church, of Jeffersonville, a fine little gentleman with good pulpit ability, also spoke and blessed the munificence and Christian spirit of the family. His remarks were perhaps the most eloquent of all and were also quite timely. Other impromptu speaking was indulged in and the entire afternoon was well spent. Strawder Parrett was re-elected President of the society by acclamation and in accepting the position he read an intelligent and scholarly address prepared for the occasion, in which the originals of he family were reverently reviewed. The origin of the Parrett family in America dates back to the year 1740, when Frederick Parrett left his home in Switzerland and braved the dangers of the great deep to seek his fortune in the great new world. Arriving in America he cast about and married an English lady of good birth. By this marriage they had borne to them nine children, of whom the majority were boys. These children all grew to manhood and womanhood, married and grew large families which spread all over the county, a goodly number of them coming to Ohio and settling in the counties of Ross, Fayette and Pickaway. The are universally frugal and for the most part have succeeded well in life, providing for their progeny ample of the world's goods. The names of those who attended the reunion are as follows: S J Parrett, S A Parrett, frank Parrett, T A Rodgers, Albina A Rodgers, W M L Parrett, Ina A Rodgers, A F Parrett, Jessie M Parrett, Geo F Parrett, Mary A Parrett, of South Salem; Jesse P Thomas, Mary. Henry Parrett, Peter J. Parrett, Henry L Parrett, M. T. Parrett, Mrs. E. S. Parrett, Anna M. Parrett, Maattie J Parrett, Callie J Parrett, John Parrett, Sophie Parrett, Florence Parrett, W A Parrett, Lizzie B Parrett, Blanch Parrett, Arthur Parrett, Maude Parrett, Jos Harper, Alice Harper, F. F. Parrett, Lucy Parrett, Chas A Parrett, Ruth M. Parrett, John Ware, A N Ware, W. J. Parrett of Lyndon; A. L Wilson, Kate D. Wilson, Cora Wilson, Minnie Wilson, Maude E. Wilson, Wm Ware, Elizabeth Ware, Benny Sloane, Thomas Murray, Margaret Murray, Geo E. Murray, Chas. W. Murray, Henry L. Parrett, Emil Kerr, T. C. Kerri, of Greenfield; Adam Nabergall, Eilza Nabergall, Emma King, C. W. Crosby, John R. Parrett, Hallie Parrett, of Good Hope; Elijah Parrett, Mary T. Parrett, Mack Parrett, Joe A Parrett, Circleville; Mrs. Leah Allen, Frank L. Parrett, Stella J. Parrett, R S Sutherland, Hannah Sotherland, John B Parrett, Alice Parrett, Alex Parrett, Lew Parrett, Eli Parrett, Mart McCoy, Anna McCoy T. F. Parrett, Mrs. Mary B Parrett, Fannie B, Carrie G, Harry C and T F Parrett, Jr, L.H. Parrett, Mrs. LH Parrett, Inez, Bessie and Harry Parret, James Welton, Carolin W Welton, Maude and Mertie Welton, Cyrus R Parrett, Lizzie Parrett, Ch,as W, Lillie M, Leroy and Clarence Parrett, John A Parrett, Amy, Stella, and Al Clouser, of Washington CH; John A Parrett, Emma and Mary Parrett, Solomon Saum, Samantha Saum, Sarah Parrett, Simon Saum, Laura B and Arthur Saum, Clayton C. Parrett, D. W. Kesler, Tena Kessler, Homer, Harry and Edit Kessler, Augustus Parrett, Reyburn Kirk, W B Kirk, Ada and Dora Kirk, JF Parrett, Mary A Parrett, Jessie and Susie Welton, Mary C Boyd, Elmer T Boyd, Minnie A Straley, of Parrett's Crossing; Jos Hamer, Elisabeth and Medie Hamer, Jas Fent, John B Fent, Eli Smith, Menerva, Bella, Bertie, Herman and Lulu Smith, J. T. Davis, Mattie V Davis, Mary S. Parrett, Henry Kirk, Elmira Kirk, Flora, Trane C, Georgie and Lucy P Kirk, J. P Popejoy and Mrs. J. P.Popejoy, ES Parrett, Nettie Parrett, Earl and George Parrett, of Jeffersonville; Mrs. J. W. Morris, Ada B and Ray P Coffeeville, of Kansas; Geo B, Amelia, Gertude, Blanche, Harley, Noyes and Dio Parrett, Fannie Crow, Flora Harrison,, Ed A Parrett, Mary Parrett, Seth E Parrett, Jennie Parrett, Bennie Parrett, Helen and Robert Parrett, of Madison Mills; Russell Parrett, Monte Parrett, Homer, Bertie, Blanche, Albert and BH Parrett, Nancy Parrett, Cora and May Parrett, John M Allen, Jane Allen, Elden Allen or Heglers; J Parrett Allen, Mr. CCD Allen and daughter May of Springfield; W. A. Allemang, of New Holland. By accurate count there were one hundred and ninty-nine of the Parretts and their blood relatives present. The most of them were Parretts, however, and those who answered to other names still bore the marks of the family. A registry book was kept open and all those in attendance, both of the family and visitors, were asked to register their names. At six o'clock in the evening the party broke up and returned to their several homes, happy and contented. Additional Comments: >From a newspaper clipping in David Parrett's scrapbook. Date range 1887-1890 Marcia Loudon - jloudon@nc.rr.com, now owns the scrapbook This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/ohfiles/ File size: 12.7 Kb -------------------------------- End of OH-FOOTSTEPS-D Digest V03 Issue #117 *******************************************