Joseph Parsons Jr. facts for kids

Joseph Parsons Jr. (1647–1729) was an important early leader in Northampton, Massachusetts. He helped shape the town during its early years.

Joseph Parsons Jr. was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on November 1, 1647. His father, Joseph Parsons Sr., came to America from England around 1635. His father was involved in the early settlement of Springfield and later became one of the first people to settle in Northampton.

Life in Northampton

Joseph Parsons Jr. spent most of his life in Northampton. On March 17, 1669, he married Elizabeth Strong. Her father, John Strong, was a respected leader in the town.

Business Ventures

Parsons Jr. was involved in several businesses in Northampton. He helped run grist mills, which ground grain into flour. He also managed sawmills, which cut timber into lumber. These businesses were very important for the growing community.

Political Career

Joseph Parsons Jr. became very active in politics. He held many important positions that helped govern the area.

Judge in Hampshire County

In 1696, Parsons Jr. was chosen as one of four judges for the Hampshire County Court of Common Pleas. At that time, Hampshire County covered all of Western Massachusetts. He served as a judge for many years, until 1719.

Representative in the General Court

Parsons Jr. also served as a representative in the Massachusetts General Court. This was like being a lawmaker for the colony. He represented Springfield in 1706 and 1708. Later, he represented Northampton for several terms: from 1711 to 1715, in 1717, 1721, and 1724.

Other Important Roles

In 1700, Joseph Parsons Jr. became the first town moderator in Northampton's history. A town moderator helps lead town meetings, making sure everyone gets a chance to speak. He also served as a justice of the peace for many years. A justice of the peace handled local legal matters and kept order.

Church Leadership

For most of Parsons Jr.'s life, Solomon Stoddard was the pastor of the Northampton church. By 1725, Pastor Stoddard was 82 years old and needed help with his duties. The town formed a committee to find someone to assist him and eventually take his place. Joseph Parsons Jr. was one of the seven members on this committee. They chose Jonathan Edwards, who later became a very famous pastor and leader of a religious movement called the Great Awakening.

Joseph Parsons Jr. passed away in Northampton in November 1729.