Fred Roy Parrett. Such capable citizens as Fred Roy Parrett are the men who are now bearing the brunt of the agricultural activities in Champaign County. He is a general farmer and stockman in Mahomet Township, and has one of the best improved places in that community. Mr. Parrett is one of the younger generation of Champaign County’s native sons, and his name is one that is spoken with honor and respect due to the achievements and the character of those who have borne it in this section of the state.
He was born in Champaign County and in the house where he still lives on January 18, 1890, the only child of George C. and Susan Mary (Thomas) Parrett. His father, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, June 6, 1849, was brought to Illinois at the age of two years. His parents made this journey in pioneer style, with wagons and teams, crossing the intervening country and locating on rented land in Piatt County. They afterwards moved to Champaign County, where George C. Parrett was reared. He was well educated, having, in addition to the common schools, the advantages of a course in Oberlin College. After completing his education he farmed as a renter three years, and then bought eighty acres, going in debt in order to secure a home. He and his wife were married April 23, 1878, and together they worked loyally side by side until their debts were paid and they were financially well to do. Most of the permanent improvements on the farm were made by George C. Parrett. He was a Prohibitionist, and advocated the temperance cause long before it became as popular as it is today. He was also identified with the Baptist Church, for twenty-five years served as deacon, was interested in the Sunday school and for years was superintendent. The death of this good man occurred November 18, 1916, and an appropriate stone marks his resting place in the Blue Ridge Cemetery.
Mr. Fred Parrett’s mother was born in Champaign County, October 19, 1857, and is a daughter of the Mexican veteran, James Quincy Thomas, whose long and interesting career is the subject of an article on other pages. She is still living, at the home of her son, and has spent all her life in Champaign County, where she received her education in the common schools. She is a member of the Baptist Church.
Fred Roy Parrett grew up on the old homestead, attended the common schools, and early made choice of a career as an agriculturist, the returns from which have been highly satisfying in every particular.
His farm comprises 160 acres in Mahomet Township and he is also managing a farm of 160 acres belonging to his grandfather, Thomas. The soil is well adapted to the cultivation of crops of corn and oats, and he raises some good grades of horses and hogs. The Parrett home bears the appropriate name of High View Lodge. It is a home reflecting good management and is also the abode of hospitality and comfort.
Mr. Parrett devoted himself to the duties of home and looking after his parents, and for five years had active charge of his grandfather’s estate. About the time he married he returned to the Parrett farm. February 22, 1911, he married Miss Mary Margaret Anderson. They are the happy parents of three sturdy young boys. Maurice Anderson was born July 24, 1912; Mervin Thomas was born October 31, 1913; and Frederick Harold was born October 21, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Parrett find one of the chief incentives to their labors and efforts in their plans for the appropriate education and training of these sons.
Mrs. Parrett was born in Champaign County, August 3, 1892, a daughter of John C. and Emily May (Samuelson) Anderson. There were seven children in the family, four sons and three daughters. Mrs. Parrett was educated in the public schools, and while her life has been a busy one, taken up with practical affairs at home, she has cultivated every opportunity to improve her mind by association with the best of literature and social life. She is an active member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Parrett is a Democrat and cast his first presidential vote for Woodrow Wilson. He also is a member of the Baptist Church at Mahomet. They have begun life well, and have the best things still in prospect for achievement and enjoyment.