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TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the Parsons Family Miscellaneous Personal and Business Papers
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Parsons family | |
| Title | Parsons Family Miscellaneous Personal and Business Papers, | |
| Dates: | 1695-1948,(Bulk 1700-1948) | |
| Abstract: | The collection contains documents pertaining to several other family members. However, their relationships are not known. | |
| Extent: | 5 boxes, 2.4 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | P-7 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
The Parsons Family was one of the oldest families of Flushing. Through intermarriage, they were also related to the very famous and old Quaker family, the Bowne family. Probably, the most distinguished members of the family were Samuel Parsons (1771?-1841), and his two sons, Samuel B. Parsons (1819-1906) and Robert B. Parsons (1821-1898). All were noted and respected horticulturists, the senior Parsons having founded the Parsons Nursery shortly before his death in 1838.
At his death in 1841, the business was taken over and expanded by the sons who operated it until 1872. In that year, Samuel B. Parsons moved his share of the firm to near by Kissena Lake operating it under the name of Parsons and Sons Company, though it was commonly called the Kissena Nurseries. Robert B. Parsons continued to operate his share of the old nursery under the name Re B. Parsons and Company.
The above two Parsons had children and grandchildren. The exact genealogy has not been traced, and the following genealogical information is supplied simply as a brief guide for the understanding of the collection since documents pertaining to several different individuals are found in it. In some instances, however, we are not sure of the exact relationships.
James Parsons (fl. 18th century) father of Samuel (1771?-1841) John and James, and husband of Jane Parsons
Samuel Parsons (fl. 19th century) father of James B. Parsons and Mary B. Parsons
Samuel Parsons, Jr. son of Samuel B. Parsons and a landscape artist who served for a time as New York Superintendent of Parks. He died in 1923.
William Bowne Parsons son of Robert B. Parsons who died in 1959 at the age of 87. He was by profession, a lawyer, and served aboard the U.S.S. "Yankee” in the Spanish-American War, as well as an array captain in World War I.
Mabel Parsons daughter of Samuel Pardons, Jr.
The collection contains documents pertaining to several other family members. However, their relationships are not known.
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Scope and Content Note
The collection has been divided into a number of series, mainly grouped about a particular individual. Only a few of these series have any significant number of documents In them and can provide some Insight into the individual's life or activity. One series is grouped around the firm name of Parsons and Company since all the documents In them have the name of said company written on them. Of all the series, It is this one which will provide the most information (meager as it is) on the nursery business for which the Parsons were famous.
Though the majority of the documents in the collection are dated in the late 19th century, a very few are earlier going back to the 18th century. These must have been in the possession of some descendant of the family. The relatively few 20th century documents, with the exception of the series of the Samuel Parsons, Jr. series, are also very miscellaneous in nature.
In a very few instances, certain documents have been placed into a particular series solely on the basis of the probability of their belonging there, and not on the basis of name, since the document contained no name. There is also a very slight possibility that in at least one instance, namely, the Margaret B. Parsons series, said series should be interfiled with another (in this case the Mary B. Parsons’ Estate series) as probably one and the same Individual known under two names. This is not known for sure, however.
Still further, the provenance of the few documents in the Miscellaneous Series is completely unclear, and it is quite possible that some of these items have no bearing at all on the Parsons Family, and may not have originally been part of the Papers. Each series will be described in detail.
James Parsons two Letters, one dated Aug 13, 1785, the other Dec 12, 1796 from Asa Hoyt and James Cresson respectively. The first discusses money matters. The second Letter discusses a return trip of Mr. and Mrs. Cresson from New York to Philadelphia, and they praise the hospitality of their hosts.
Jane Parsons a manuscript notebook titled " A List of the Names of Public Friends who have visited the Meetings, etc. of Friends on Long Island with the names of their Companions since the Year 1700". It was compiled by Jane Parsons and dated by her 1783. Names commence with 1700 and terminate with 1811, and the volume contains about five hundred names. Most probably, the volume was compiled by examining the old registers of the Quaker Meeting House in Flushing, at least Initially, and then from 1783 on by examining the then current registers or registers. It is assumed that only Quakers visiting the Flushing Meeting House are Included, though this Is by no means clear.
Also Included is another volume which may have been in Jane Parsons’ possession. It contains a brief listing of financial transactions of the Friends of Flushing from about 1707 to 1735. Also an undated letter? from her sister M.B.P. (Mary Bowne Parsons?).
Samuel Parsons one of the three items in this file is an 1843 pamphlet titled MEMORIAL OF THE MONTHLY MEETING OF NEW-YORK, CONCERNING SAMUEL PARSONS. Another is a one sheet flyer titled TESTIMONY OF DISOWNMENT AGAINST ELIAS HICKS. Samuel Parsons was the clerk "At the meeting of sufferings, held in New York, the 6th of the 7th month, 1829". The third is a fragment of a Letter addressed to Mr. Parsons by Samuel Gurney, dated Apr 20, 1833, and evidently concerning a Quaker meeting,.
James B. Parsons Letter, dated January 1842? from M.B.P., probably Mary B. Parsons re "transcribing the diary of our dear father. I regret very much that a memorial should not be prepared for the ensuing Yearly Meeting…” An 1843 letter from Anne Mott; an 1869 receipt; and an undated invitation. There is also an 1839 letter from, Samuel Parsons, father of James, discussing his mother’s death; and a bill of lading dated 1839 for the body of Mary Bowne Parsons, mother of James. The body was shipped from St. Croix, West Indies.
John Bowne one item herein is a small loosely bound volume simply titled "John Bowne -His Book l790” The few pages in it contain some religious sentiments. Another item is dated Aug 23, 1803, note concerning the designation by Bowne of a public road through his property; while the third is a letter dated Aug 3, 1792 from John De Laplaine perhaps referring to some genealogical background.
John L. Bowne this file consists of eight items, seven of which are letters dated 1821, 1823, 1842-1845, and undated. The two earliest letters are from Bowne’s wife. The others are from Arthur Mott and refer to money matters. The other item is a resolution Issued by the Board of Directors of the United States Fire Insurance Company on Apr 12, 1847 upon the death of Bowne, their president.
Other Bowne Family Members Bond, dated Mar 7, 1718, between Thomas Stevenson of Newtown and Samuel Bowne; and bill submitted by Maria Seabury to Mr. Bowne for tuition. This latter document is dated Sep 15, 1814, New York. A third document is a Letter dated Dec 8, 1839 addressed to the Bowne House and making mention of "your Miss Parsons".
Also included is a Letter, dated 1832 of (S. Bowne?) to William Howland, perhaps a son-in-law, on personal family matters; and a Letter dated 1767 from cousin Clement Willets of Middletown near Jericho. This Letter discusses a dream and expresses some religious sentiments, and is addressed to Dinah Bowne. Also included are two Survey Notes and Lot Books of the Bowne Estate compiled from field notes by B.P. Hathaway, surveyor. One bearing a revised and corrected date of May 25, 18^5, the other a revised and corrected date of May 25, 1854.
Also a Letter dated Jan 21, 1836 to William H. Bowne; a Letter dated Aug 28, 1806 to Robert Bowne; a bill dated Jan 1, 1869 issued to the Bowne Estate; a small sheet listing some brief Bowne Genealogy; Letter, dated May 1, 1830 from E.H.B. to Sarah Bowne (his daughter), Letter from E.H. Bowne, dated Feb 11, 1825 to her mother; Letter from (J.S. Bowne?) to his father?, dated Jun 6, 1831; Letter dated May 19, 184? of Robert Bowne to his grandmother; an account of Samuel Stransbury, dated Dec 1807 In which the name R. Bowne is mentioned; fragments of a promissory note dated Feb 5, 1774 involving "Ludlow and Bowne and Rickman"; fragments of what appears to be a real estate deed involving Robert Bowne undated, and an Apr 15, 1695 document involving a John Bowne of that century. Document is probably a promissory note of some kind.
(A. W.?) Parsons order issued by the Barrack-Office of New York, dated Oct 13,1783 stating that No.195 Queen Street "will justly admit of receiving a Billet for a Captain…”, and ordering the proprietor (presumably Mr. Parsons) of the said premise to so admit. The order bears a signature (presumably a British army officer). There are five wax seals on the verso.
Elizabeth Parsons One Letter, dated Nov 21, 1843 from Anna Braithwaite discussing family matters, together with undated letter (possibly ca 1861) from her husband enclosing a telegram he has received relative to troop movements during the beginning of the Civil War.
Samuel B. Parsons consists of twelve bills; one letter from John McNeal and Sons, a manufacturer of cast iron water and gas pipes; and a quit-claim deed involving Mary Jane Goodenough. Also included are four Letters from the U.S. Patent Office and the U.S. Dept. of State relative to Parsons visiting Europe in order to examine that continent's horticulture industry. These documents are dated 1850s-1880s.
Robert B. Parsons four documents concern Mrs. Parsons, three being bills (one of which bears the maiden name of Mitchel), the other an insurance policy issued to her in 1884 by the Connecticut Fire Insurance Company. The remainder of this series is composed of three bills for various products purchased; a mortgage dated 1848; specifications for "the carpenters work and materials required to build and complete a frame dwelling house at Flushing...", dated 1857; a Letter from nurseryman, M.F. Tiger dated 1892; a Letter from nurserymen, Isaac Hicks and Son, dated 1898; a license issued in 1887 permitting Mr. Parsons "to keep a small black dog...”; a notice dated 1888 regarding "Sale of Lands for Unpaid Taxes"; an 1884 postcard dated addressed to Parsons from the Kissena Nurseries; an 1869 receipt from the Flushing and North Side Rail Col; and 1890 receipt issued by Alfred Lemon and Co. from Rome, Italy.
Besides the above, the series also includes four documents which we have attributed to Robert B. Parsons because of the dates involved, since none of these documents carry the middle initial "B". One document is a letter from nurserymen Isaac Hicks and Sons, dated 1899 and is actually addressed to the estate of Robert Parsons. Another is also from the same firm, also dated in 1899, but carries no addressee name. The other two documents consist of one letter from the Hicks firm, undated but in the 1890’s; and a Letter, dated 1893 from the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad Company. There is also a Letter dated 1891 from a foreign express company regarding shipment belonging to him; and four notices dated 1888 regarding sale of land in Flushing for unpaid taxes.
This series also includes a book In manuscript giving the genealogy of the Parsons and Bowne families, evidently written by Mary B. Parsons and presented to Parsons in 1872; an indenture dated Jan 1, 1862 regarding land in Central Park; an indenture dated Apr 2, 1853 regarding land in Flushing; three Letters from various Individuals ; copy of a report issued by the church of which Parsons was a member lamenting his death; a manuscript volume titled R.B. Parsons Real Estate Transfers" which in minute detail describes the boundaries of various parcels of Flushing Village lands; and an 1856? passport.
Parsons and Company the approximately 70 documents in this series dated principally In the late 1860’s are either bills addressed to the Company or cancelled checks. Apparently, many deal with the purchase of plants or related matters. There are also “ (English checks?)issued by the firm of James C. Kings Sons to the Company and to a number of other individuals.
Samuel Parsons. Jr. included in this file is the Letters Testamentary issued Parsons upon the death of his father in 1906. Also included are seven letters addressed to Parsons in his capacity as Commissioner of Parks related duties (dated 1903-l?07), virtually all of which are from the mayor’s office.
Most of the remainder of the file is composed of eight bills, dated in the 1880’s (one 1869); a letter dated October 19, 1926 addressed to unknown individual from James L. Greenleaf, President of the American Society of Landscape Architects, but reminiscing about Mr. Parsons on the occasion of the latter’s death; and a scrapbook evidently maintained by Parsons. It is composed of newspaper clippings, mainly undated. Those which are dated are for 1890, 1903, or 1911, especially 1890 and 1911. Many of them deal with controversy regarding Central Park and Parsons’ role as landscape architect.
Also included are copies of two letters written between the Dept. of Public Parks and Mr. Calvert Vaux landscape architect; a 1906 pass issued to Mr. Parsons and his wife by the U.S. Department of State. Also included is a 16 page manuscript "Plan of Enterprise in connection with the Central Park Conservatory and Flower House", undated; and a printed pamphlet titled "Report to Park Board … on Visit to European Parks, 1906, written by Parsons, and published in 1907. The plan, though not signed by Parsons was probably written by him. Apparently deals with an agreement between Central Park and perhaps the Parsons Brothers Nursery to "furnish a show-room for plants equally beneficial to their interests and to our own...".
Also included is a certificate of commendation presented posthumously to Parsons' daughter Mabel Parsons in May 1963 by the Park Association of New York City.
Mrs. Robert Parsons one bill dated April 26, 1866.
Margaret B. Parsons two tax bills dated Sep 12, 1868 and Dec 14, 1878.
Mary B. Parsons’ Estate The thirteen documents in this file are primarily bills of one kind or another but especially for property taxes. They appear to be dated either just prior to her death or sometime shortly after, that is, ca. 1879-1885, and all or virtually all are receipted for having received payment. One document, however, is dated 1869 while she was still alive, and is a receipt issued by Miss Parsons for stock in the Flushing and North Side Rail Road Company.
Mr. M. M. Parsons letter, dated Aug 22, 1898 from Washington, D.C. stating that "the U.S.S. Yankee has been ordered to New York. Also in this file is a scrapbook which we are attributing to Mr. Parsons. It consists of newspaper clippings dealing essentially with the naval reserve. The clippings which are dated appear to be all for 1898. Less than half of the volume has been utilized.
Robert B. Parsons (a later individual) The two documents in this series are dated 1900? and 1918, thus identifying them as belonging to a different Robert B. Parsons than the previous Individual with the same name. One is a letter from L. Bradford Prince regarding historical societies “and the particular work which such organizations are undertaking all over the country in connection with the war". The other is a bill submitted by the New York and Queens Gas and Electric Company.
Cornelia Mitchell Parsons Typescript of THE QUAKER CROSS, a novel written by Cornelia Mitchell Parsons, and dealing with the Bowne House and some of its Inhabitants. The volume was published in 1911 by the National Americana Society in New York. Miss Parsons had published another novel as early as 1896, so she was probably born sometime in the l860’s or 1870’s.
The typescript In question consists of 29 separate sections (28 chapters plus an Introduction). The sheets are held together by a ribbon. The total number of pages is 254. Though there are some holograph corrections throughout, it cannot in any way be said to be a heavily corrected copy.
Though this typescript has not been compared to the printed volume, it is known that there probably are some slight differences. For example, the printed volume contains two pages of notes, the typescript does not. Included are four financial statements issued 1925-1927 by the publisher regarding the sales of the book. Also Included is an undated brief Letter of Edith K. Roosevelt from Sagamore Hill apologizing for not being able to keep an appointment. Letter bears no first name but we are attributing it to Cornelia M. Parsons.
Herbert Parsons Small oval colored painting (water color?) of Herbert Parsons (1859-1903?), only child of Samuel Bowne Parsons?
Robert E. Parsons Advertising postcard, dated 1911 addressed to Parsons by the Irving Iron Works Company of Long Island City.
Mary E. Parsons Note giving a brief "Description of lot sold at auction to Mary E. Parsons April 22, 1989.”
Mabel Parsons Mabel Parsons was the daughter of Samuel Parsons, Jr.. One of the two letters in this series is one from Frederick Law Olmsted, dated Jan 3, 1927 who comments on "Memoirs of Samuel Parsons"; the other, dated Oct k, 1926 is from George Gordon Battle stating his pleasure "to know that you are intending to publish your father's memoirs in regard to Central Park". A third item is a Certificate of Commendation for Samuel Parsons presented posthumously to his daughter on May 2, 1963 by the Park Association of New York City.
William Bowne Parsons One letter from President Woodrow Wilson, dated Nov 15, 1912 expressing pleasure as to the way "college men have rallied to my support" as well as a copy of letter dated Oct 8, 1941 to Robert Moses, New York City Commissioner of Parks, regarding deterioration of trees in Flushing. Brief reply from Moses is attached. Also included is a Jun 3, 1901 letter from a friend to the Board of Law Examiners of the 2nd District stating that Parsons is a "gentleman of cultivation, of good moral character..."; and a form invitation to attend the 1948 annual reunion of the Parsons Family Association
Miss A. H. Parsons inscribed Brooklyn Botanic Garden Leaflet titled THE RARE TREES AND SHRUBS OF KISSENA PARK, FLUSHING, L.I., N.Y.". Inscribed by author Leon Croizat. Dated Dec 9, 1936.
Other Parsons Family Members The few items In this file bear no clues as to their Identification. They are a manuscript sheet folded to resemble a small magazine. It is titled "The Woodside Gazette” and dated March 1858. Consisting of some bits of poetry and verse, the initials (in a very tiny hand) of "M.P” and "J.B.P." are found on it. Also a Letter dated Apr 27, 1865 from Charles LeBarthwaite of England discussing assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Also a Letter dated Jul l7, 1899 to "Dear Mr. Parsons” from Madame Clara Brinkerhoff, a Manhattan singer, enclosing a leaflet; a manuscript poem titled The Saints’ Sweet Home, which bears the name "Mrs. Codwise"; and two prints of George Fox, the Quaker leader, probably dating back to the early 19th century; and a diary apparently (some pages are missing) describing a trip to England in 1848. This latter item may possibly have been maintained by Robert B. Parsons. A sheet, evidently once a part of a small notebook -sheet lists some remarks regarding the Sag Harbor Salt Works and the growing of wheat (ca 1810s).
There is also a small envelope bearing several unidentified fragments, evidently loosened from other documents due to age and deterioration; a manuscript list containing "Names of Inhabitants of the Township of Flushing-taxable", containing about 250 names and und.; copy of magazine, "Friends Intelligencer" dated May 13, 1948; two tear sheets, perhaps torn from a magazine, concerning the music of Brahms and Grieg, undated, but perhaps very late 19th century or very early 20th century.
And a notebook maintained by an unknown individual, but most probably a Parsons. This volume Is very fragmentary, less than quarter of it having been utilized. Entries are for the 1810’s to the 1840’s and contain obituaries of various individuals.
It is possible that one or two of the above items may not originally have been part of the Parsons Collection but are truly miscellaneous items, ownership of which cannot be established.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The Parsons Family Miscellaneous Personal and Business Papers, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
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Access Points
Subject Family Names:
- Parsons Family
Subject Places:
- Flushing (New York, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
