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TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the Parsons Family Miscellaneous Personal and Business Papers Addendum 3
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | Parsons family | |
| Title | Parsons Family Miscellaneous Personal and Business Papers Addendum 3, | |
| Dates: | 1716-1947 | |
| Abstract: | The collection contains documents pertaining to several other family members. However, their relationships are not known. | |
| Extent: | 4 boxes, 2.6 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | P-7c | |
| 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
In January 1980 additional papers of the Parsons Family were received and shortly thereafter processed. These will now be described in this addendum essentially following the same format and series sequence as the body of this inventory. Virtually all items are loose documents but there are a few bound volumes which will be described together with the loose documents. In a very few cases we have attributed some documents as belonging to these papers even though this was not always clear. An example would be the document of P.E. Field.
These additional papers consist of approximately one hundred documents and are Dated essentially during the same period as papers described previously.
Mary Parsons A.L.S., Dated Jan 28, 1812 to Mary Parsons from her husband, Samuel Parsons, regarding some business travels in Middlebury.
James B. Parsons Diary, perhaps maintained by James B. Parsons, for the period ca. 1815-1841 Mainly Quaker religious sentiments expressed.
Samuel Parsons A manuscript book of perhaps 60 to 70 pages bearing the name of Mr. Parsons on first page. It appears to be a volume into which he copied extracts from various poems, undated but probably mid 19th century or somewhat earlier. Also a broadside, Dated Dec 30, l824 issued by Parsons announcing the sale of his farm near the Village of Westchester; and two letters to him Dated 1827 and 1839.
James Parsons A letter Dated 1839 (it Is not complete), addressed to Mr. Parsons from St. Croix.
Samuel Bowne Parsons Fragments of two reports written by Mr. Parsons while on a tour to parts of Italy and Greece in 1859. Many references to horticulture. Also a 28 page typescript (probably done in 1940s) titled "Travels in South America” Dated 1839. Possibly copied from an original diary attributed to Samuel B. Parsons.
Barnes B. Parsons (a later individual?) Herein are found copies of four letters from Mr. Parsons. Two of these are not identified. These, however, are Dated 1880 making it probable that this is smother James B. Parsons, probably a son. Also included is another letter to Mr. Parsons as a youngster from his Aunt Mary, undated. Also found is a letter from him written in 1880 to Mr. Joseph K. Murray, and a letter to him from Samuel Parsons at St. Croix, Dated 1838
Robert Parsons This file contains an estimate of the value of a piece of land evidently owned by Mr. Parsons, Dated 1853; three advertising cards, one of which is addressed to Mr. Parsons, the other two probably his. These cards represent a house painter, a stained glass manufacturer, and an artist, and are Dated ca. 1898.
Robert E. Parsons Carbon copy of T.L.S. of the executor of Robert E. Parsons acknowledging receipt of Certificate of Merit in Genealogy awarded to Robert E. Parsons. Certificate included. Dated 1939
Herbert Parsons (book?) A manuscript book of 79 pages titled HISTORY AND GENEALOGY OF THE PARSONS AND BOWNE FAMILIES. First page bears inscription "Herbert Parsons from his mother, Sept 8, 1881.” Included is a typescript of the same. Volume is in very poor condition.
Anna Parsons T.L.S. of Associate Curator of Metropolitan Museum of Art to Miss Bowne asking for the loan of some furniture for an exhibit. A penciled notation reads "Turned down request -NO". The house referred to was undoubtedly the Bowne House. Dated Nov 16, 1933. Two pages from a note book diary also Included. Also A.L.S. Dated Aug 21, 1896 from J. T. Bowne regarding Quaker Celebration, genealogy of the family and the like; and another letter Dated Oct 15, 1891 from uncle James R. Parsons about family affairs.
Robert B. Parsons Indenture Dated Aug 5, 1856 regarding land in Flushing; and a T.L.S. from J. T. Bowne of the International Y.M.C.A. regarding genealogy of the family, Dated Nov 19, l894. Also included is a note written by Mr. Parsons stating how he acquired his sister Mary B. Parsons’ manuscript volume containing a brief history of the Family. The manuscript (not completed) is enclosed. The note is Dated Apr 30, 1886.
Parsons and Company Bill submitted to Parsons and Company by Luther Tucker and Son, Albany publisher of what appears to be an horticultural Journal. Receipted, Dec 11, 1868.
Anna Hinckley Parsons. Bertha Rodman Parsons or Cornelia Parsons Letter, Dated Jun 18,1923 addressed to The Misses Parsons from John Cox, Jr. regarding a manuscript book of Robert Bowne covering 1737 to 1741/42.
William Bowne Parsons About 25 railroad tickets (basically L.I.R.R.), small time tables on related Items attributed to Mr. Parsons on the basis of his name found on one. Also carbon copy of a letter Dated Sep 23, 1941 from Mr. Parsons to Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia outlining a.
Mary Bowne Parsons, Estate of several bills addressed to the executors of the Estate of Mary Bowne Parsons. Dated 1879-80.
Anna H. Parsons T.L.S., Dated Mar 20, 1939 of Stephen W. Collins to Miss Parsons outlining the genealogy of the Bowne Family.
Mabel Parsons A.L.S., Dated Jun 6, 1947 from Hiss Mabel Parsons to "Mary", probably Mary Bowne Parsons. Letter concerns a "Description of the Bowne House."
Dinah Bowne Letter Dated Apr 6, l760, Northampton to Dinah Bowne at Flushing from (Benjamin Andrews?). Discusses some family matters and religious sentiment.
Robert Bowne Articles of Agreement, Dated Jul 28, 1767 between Bowne and William Rickman setting up a co-partner ship; an Indenture, Dated Aug 5, 1736 between Bowne Richard Lawrence regarding land in Flushing (fragmentary document; and another indenture, Dated Jan 24, 1772 between Bowne and George Embree regarding land in New Rochelle (fragmentary document).
John Bowne Some of the six documents in this file deal with the American Revolution. More specifically, these are a small note listing some animals taken "for the Use of the Army", Dated Aug 29, 1776 and another document regarding timber cut from Bowne’s property, Dated Apr 3, 1780. Also included are a copy of a letter from George Pox, undated; certificate from the Collector of Revenue attesting that Mr. Bowne paid a tax on his wheel carriage, Dated Sep 21, 1798; a receipt signed by John Aspinwall for having received payment from Bowne for wood, Dated Nov 29, 1773; and a notice of a meeting to determined if a road should be laid through Mr. Bowne's property, Dated Jun 13,1803.
John L. Bowne Portion of a letter written by Mr. Bowne to an unknown individual (first page missing), undated; stock certificate In the Hudson and Berkshire Rail Road Company, Dated Oct 19t 1835; another stock certificate in the Hudson and West Stockbridge Marble Association, Dated Apr 1, 1836; and a lease involving property belonging to John L. Bowne and Robert Bowne, Dated Dec. 30,1807. Also Quaker Marriage Certificate, Dated Oct 26,1809 with Elizabeth Howland.
Grace Bowne Covenant, Dated May 3, 1740, between Caleb Field and Grace Bowne regarding land in the Haviland Purchase.
William H. ?Bowne Letter from Edmund P. Gallagher to Bowne, Dated Sep 27, 1815.
Ann Bowne Share of stock In the Flushing and New-Town Turnpike, Bridge And Road Company made out to Ann Bowne. Signed by William Prince, president of the Company, and Dated Jun 24, 1816.
Sarah H. Bowne A.L.S., Dated Oct 24,1830 to Mrs. Bowne from her grand mother, A.H. expressing sentiments of sorrow at the death of Sarah's mother.
Bowne House Bill, receipted, submitted by the Flushing Gas Light Company to the Bowne House. Dated Apr (26?), 1878.
Unknown Bowne Fragment of a notebook evidently used to copy letters of the 18th century. The writer refers to "Ancient Papers”. Less than half a dozen pages utilized in this volume. Two or three pages also used to draw what might possibly be the outline of a genealogical tree. Probably maintained ca. 1840 to 1860s.
Unidentified Parsons Or Bowne Included here are about 30 miscellaneous documents including some newspaper clips difficult to Identify without further research, but belonging either to the Parsons or Bowne families. All Dated 19th century with but one or two exceptions.
Caleb Field Copy of the will of Caleb Field of Flushing, Dated 1762. Included with this is a copy of document of probate Dated 1769, this latter document being signed by Philip Livingston. Other documents included in this file are an Indenture between Field and John Marston regarding land in Flushing, Dated May 20, 1758; a hand drawn map presumably of the land in question; a bond between Field and Timothy Smith of Hempstead, Dated Jun 5, 1755; and another bond Dated Jun 3t 1768 between Field and Daniel and Benjamin Thome of Flushing.
P.E. Field Assignment of Mortgage, Dated Dec 8, 1884 between L. Bradford Prince, executor of the estate of Seraphine C. Cox, and Henry Clement and Isaac Bloodgood. Evidently Some members of the Field Family, more especially P. E. Field, were also involved.
W. Field Copy of a petition given to Mr. W. Field concerning proceedings against the Newtown and Flushing Rail road Company by the Central Railroad Company of Long Island, Dated May 4, 1871.
Anne Field A.L.S., Dated Feb 21, 1769 from Philip Hicks, to his aunt, Anne Field at Flushing expressing sorrow at the death of his uncle.
Mary Green A.L.S., Dated Feb 15, 1798, London to Mrs. Green at Wooster, Mass, from her husband who signs himself Aristus.
Elizabeth H. Green Two letters to Miss Green in New York, one Dated Feb 13, 1834, the other Jul 3, 1843.
Elias Hicks The six documents herein are primarily letters or excerpts from Quaker meetings which in one way or another deal with Elias Hicks, and differences among the Quakers.
Clark Family Letter addressed to a woman called Martha from (L.A.? Elliot) in which Mr. Clark is briefly mentioned. Dated Sep 26, 1816; letter of P. Clark to his wife Emeline, Dated Washington Jan 26, 1864 regarding death of a child. Also another letter to Emeline Dated Sep 15, 1853 reminiscing about childhood home; and letter from Emeline to her husband, Dated Sep 7, 1833 giving family news.
Farrington Family Marriage Certificate of Amy Seaman and Walter Farrington, Dated Dec 9, 1784. Signed by about 60 Quaker witnesses. Also document endorsed as being the last will of Matthew Farrington though the body of it appears to be more in the nature of a marriage certificate, and is signed by about 20 Quakers, Dated Jul 20, 1716?. Also marriage certificate between Walter Farrington and Mary field signed by about 60 Quaker witnesses and Dated Nov 8, 1787; a receipt involving Walter Farrington and repairs to the Flushing schoolhouse, Dated 1809, plus two other documents which while not mentioning Farrington, made mention of the School House and these Dated, ca. 1806. Also promissory note signed by Walter Farrington and Samuel Parsons on behalf of the Preparation Meeting of Friends of Flushing, Dated Feb 2, 1810.
Joseph Brown Poem written by unknown individual "To the Memory of the late Joseph Brown of Lothensdale One of the People called Quakers...".
Joseph K. Murray T.L.S. Dated Feb 8,1911 from counselor-at-law, James W. Treadwell, to Joseph K. Murray regarding the latter’s wishes to resign as "Administrator of the Parsons' Estate". Also A.L.S., Dated Jul 1879 from James B. Parsons relative to a plan to dispose of the Bowne House.
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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 Addendum 3, 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.]
