The subject of this sketch was born in Tahlequah District, September 1857, the son of Johnson Parris and Delilah Chicken, both half-breeds. After having received his education in the Illinois district schools, he was appointed deputy sheriff under R. M. French at the national prison, which office he retained three years. In 1880 he entered the business establishment of W. T. Rasmus, at Tahlequah, and there remained until 1884, when he was employed by Messrs. Smith & French for two years, and later by John A. French (after the dissolution of the firm) for three years. Mr. Parris then went to work for Messrs. Laurence & Co., until his appointed as deputy United States constable for the Indian Territory, in 1890, which position he resigned in the fall of 1891, being elected Sheriff for the Tahlequah district over Jay Clarke and Naked Head, which office he holds at present. Mr. Parris has been a supporter of the National party for fourteen years. He is a member of the Masonic Order and the “Palm and Shell,” and is an ambitious, progressive and promising young man.
