Watson Parish was born in VA. His father was in the war of 1812, and died in the military hospital twelve miles below Richmond. The mother and the rest of the family emigrated to Mercer county Kentucky, in the fall of 1815, and remained there until 1837, when they went to Dyer county, Tennessee, remaining there until the spring of 1839. Mr Parish married Louisa Demint. In June 1839, he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Genesee Grove. Children: William C, Elias, Augustine, Sampson, Watson, Sarah, Harrison H, Amanda L, Mary E. Mrs. Parish died in 1847 and soon after Mr Parish again married. The children by his second wife are John R, Isam S, Francis M. Mr. Parish's second wife died and he married his third wife. The children of the 3rd marriage: Hattie G, Amy M , Clara M. William C died in the army November 29, 1861; Elias lives in Johnson County NE, Augustine lives in Butte Co CA, Watson resides in NE. Sarah married Isaac N Thorp who enlisted in the army and was drowned January 3 1865; Clara M died in 1865. Mr. Parish has been extensively known as a successful auctioneer
Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 229
