LEWIS B. PARR is a farmer living on section 12, Harlem Township, but farming does not engage his whole attention. It will be seen farther on that Mr. Parr has been called upon to perform the multifarious duties of many trusts. Both he and his immediate ancestors are natives of this State. His parents were James and Elizabeth F. (Moore) Parr. The father was born in Bond and the mother in Putnam County, Ill. They married and settled in Putnam County, where they lived for several years, and then went to Bloomington, Ill. There they lived until about 1884, when they removed to Chicago, where they now reside. The father’s pursuit was farming prior to going to Chicago. His married life was blessed with eleven children, eight boys and three girls.

The subject of this sketch was the second child. He was born in Granville, Putnam Co., Ill., Sept. 1, 1854. He received a common-school education, but was a close observer of men and things, so that he early equipped himself to engage in the battle of life. He lived at home until he was twenty-five, when he married, and settled in Harlem Township, Stephenson County, where he has since resided. A farm of 180 acres of fertile land, equipped with a number of roomy buildings, is the testimonial to his perseverance and industry. Mr. Parr makes a specialty of Norman and English draft horses, carefully raising those of pure breed, of which there are always a number on his place. He was married in Harlem Township, Oct. 9, 1879, to Miss Emily L. Wright, daughter of John Wright, Esq. His wife was born in Lancaster Township, Stephenson Co., Ill.

Mr. and Mrs. Parr have three children – Emily A., William E., and Maggie. Mr. Parr has been Road Commissioner for three years, and School Director for six years, fulfilling modestly the duties to which he has been called. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. P. is an Elder. In politics, he is a Republican.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888