from Men of the Pacific Coast 1902-1903Charles Bennett Parcells (February 16, 1837 – January 4, 1902) was the president of the Parcells Safe Company. His sons worked with him, and one took over the company after Parcells' death in 1902.
Charles was born February 16, 1837, in New Jersey. During the Civil War, Parcells enlisted in Company G, Ohio 137th Infantry Regiment on May 10, 1864, but he was mustered out a few months later on August 19, 1864. In 1866, he married Anna Louise Mershon (Parcells) (August 4, 1847 – February 1, 1934) in Iowa, where they had two children: Frank Mershon Parcells (March 19, 1867 – December 8, 1944) and James Walter Parcells (June 23, 1868 – August, 1883). They had a third son, Charles Edward Parcells (December, 1871 – May 21, 1936) born in Ohio.
The Parcells came to California in November, 1879. The 1887 directory lists their address as 472 or 473 Edwards (near Mosswood, where I-580 now runs.) Parcells was a trustee of the Oakland Free Library. In 1893, they were living at 525 Hobart (now 21st Street). In 1921, Anna and son Charles E. were living at 1923 Webster.
In the 1880s, Charles was manager for the Hall Safe and Lock Company of San Francisco. After a controversy about his accounts in 1887 2, Parcells went into business for himself as an agent for the Diebold Safe and Lock Company. Frank did sales, and Charles Edward was the bookkeeper.
After Charles died in 1902, his son Charles Edward took over the business. At some point son Frank went to Harvard to study law and became a lawyer.
Death and Burial
Parcells died from heart trouble on January 4, 1902, at his home at 1409 Webster Street in Oakland 1. He is buried in Mountain View Cemetery, presumably in the Parcells family lot. His son Frank, and Frank's wife Mary (Shreve) Parcells and son Frank Marshon Parcells, Jr. are also buried in the Parcells family lot.
from Men of the Pacific Coast 1902-1903
Links and References
- Charles Bennett Parcells Los Angeles Herald January 5, 1902
- Agent Parcells Daily Alta California June 3, 1887
