William Henry Parsons (colonel) facts for kids
William Henry Parsons (born April 23, 1826 – died October 3, 1907) was an American newspaper editor and politician. He was also a colonel in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. His brother was Albert Parsons, who was also a newspaper editor and an early American activist. William was also the brother-in-law of Lucy Parsons, a well-known American labor organizer.
Early Life and Military Service
William Henry Parsons was born in New Jersey. However, he spent his childhood growing up in Montgomery, Alabama. He went to Emory College in Georgia. But he left college early to join the army. He fought in the Mexican–American War alongside General Zachary Taylor.
After the war, Parsons started working with newspapers in Texas. When the American Civil War began, he joined the Confederate Army. The governor of Texas, Edward Clark, made him a colonel. His group of soldiers, first called the Fourth Regiment Texas Volunteer Cavalry, later became the Twelfth Texas Cavalry. This unit officially joined the Confederate Army in October 1861.
Colonel Parsons helped protect important places during the war. He defended Little Rock, Arkansas, from a Union army. He also helped defend parts of Louisiana. Because of his good work, he was suggested for a higher rank, brigadier general, several times.
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, William Henry Parsons left Texas. He traveled to British Honduras (which is now Belize). He was looking into the idea of starting a new community there for people who had supported the Confederacy.
However, he later returned to Texas. There, he was elected to the Texas State Senate, where he served as a lawmaker. In 1871, President Grant chose him to be a special commissioner for the country's 100th birthday celebration. After this, Parsons moved to New York.
William Henry Parsons passed away in 1907. He died at his son's home in Chicago. He was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.
