James Parsons was the great grandfather of Jack Harrison and the father of Phoebe Alice Parsons who married Arthur Dight Harrison.
JAMES PARSONS was born on the 20.11.1830 in Eldersfield, Worcester, England.
On 20th November 1854 in Ashchurch, Gloucester, England he married ELIZA BADHAM (born 7.10.1828 in Hereford, England.) Witnesses: James Richard Johnson, Mary Ann Parsons and James Wasley
Just prior to her marriage, Eliza Badham was living in Pamington with household members: Ellen Attwood, Mary Burrows , William Dance and James Parsons.
The James and Eliza Parsons left Plymouth on 31st January 1855 and landed in Geelong on 1st June 1855, James writing a diary during the voyage entitled “The History of the Voyage of the Ship Epaminondas” by “James Parsons an emmigrant”.
Daughter Francetta Hetta was born on 13th August 1855 so Eliza was pregnant for the voyage out to Australia.
“Brother” Parsons was a member of the Order of the Sons of Temperance for thirty-two years, having been initiated into the Corio Division on April 30th 1867.
James and Eliza resided within a radius of seven miles of Geelong (in a town called Germantown now known as Grovedale) the whole time they were in Australia.
Eliza had nine children in 17 years from the aged of 26 until she was 43.
The ten children of James Parsons and Eliza Badham:
- Francetta Hetta (1855 – 1919) m. Hambling
- Fanny Sabina (1856 – 1943) m. Wilson
- James Adolphus (1858 – 1919) m. Burton
- William Henry (1858 – 1865) died aged 7
- Alfred John (1861 – 1896) m. Griffin
- Mary Ann (1863 – 1927) m. Marsh
- Josiah George (1866 – 1943) m. Harris, Rechenberg
- Thomas Edward (1867 – 1927) m. Armstrong
- Walter Charles (1869 -1935) m. Dedman
- Phoebe Alice (1872 – 1943) m. Arthur Dight Harrison
Eliza died 15 Aug 1880 aged 51.
After Eliza’s death James remarried in 1883 aged 53 to 17 year old Jemima Henry.
They had three children:
- Louisa May (1884 – 1885) died aged 1
- James Henry (1886 – 1947)
- Ethel Jemima (1888 – 1973) m. Thomas
During a holiday back home to England he wrote a diary called “Homeward Bound – Incidents and Circumstances connected with the Voyage of the P. & O. Co.’s R.M. ship “Australia”, Melbourne to London, April 11th till May 27th 1898” on the cover of which he is described as 2nd Saloon Passenger”.
Australian Son of Temperance – Magazine published June 15 1899 page 153
Brother James Parsons, Geelong
This good brother, having been fairly successful in life is now resting on his oars, and, while he still occupies himself a little in looking after his grazing interests, just takes life as easily as possible, so as to get as much enjoyment out of it as he can. At the same time, he endeavours to use his energies in the direction of right. And thus to benefit others by his example and labour. Having lost his wife some time ago, and his children all leaving the old home, he naturally feels a little lonely sometimes, and it was this fact that urged him recently to take a trip home, by which he greatly benefitted.
Brother Parsons is a colonist of forty four years’ standing, having landed in Geelong in June 1855, and has resided within a radius of seven miles of Geelong the whole of that time, except during the short period last year when he made his trip home to the old land and back, particulars of which will be seen in this journal from month to month.
Bro. Parsons has been a member of the Order of the Sons of Temperance for thirty-two years, having been initiated into the Corio Division on April 30th 1867, and has remained a consistent member up to the present.
Although our brother is not a talented speaker, yet he is always ready and willing to render assistance when necessity requires it.
Bro. Parsons served his Division in his day, and had all the honours conferred on him which a subordinate Division can give. He has held various offices in the Victoria G.D. We trust he will for years, and in his own quiet way, be occupied in active and profitable labour in the great cause of temperance reform.
OBITUARY
Geelong Advertiser – Friday 7 August 1914 page 4
Mr James Parsons
The interment of the remains of an old and highly respected resident of Geelong West, and formerly of Marshalltown, the late Mr. James Parsons. took place yesterday afternoon in the Methodist portion of the Eastern Cemetery, in the presence of a large and representative gathering of sympathising friends: the cortege consisted of the glass casket, hearse. two mourning coaches, and a large number of private and public vehicles. The coffin was borne to the grave by four grandsons of deceased: the following supported the gold and purple pall. viz. Messrs. J. K. Pittock, W. W. Bradley. E. Melhuish. R. Hagger, T. Simson, W.Reader. W. Branea, E. J. Sparrow, W.P. Douglass, J. R. Thear. S. Chew and R. Dunn. Rev. A. Brown, of Fenwick Street Baptist Church. officiated at the house and graveside. Bro. J. F. Pittock, Grand Treasurer of the Sons of Temperance Lodge of which the deceased was an old member, read the burial ritual of the order.