Mahlon H. Parks was born in Scott county, Indiana, December 6, 1861. Died
in a hospital in Denver, Colorado, August 22, 1930. Aged 68 years, 8 months
and 16 days.
On November 30, 1882, he was united in marriage with
Leah C. Travis. To this union eleven children were born. One babe died in
infancy in Illinois. Ten children are living, namely, Mrs. Edward Mosley,
Cambridge, Nebraska; Mrs. C. R. Bunn, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. P. W. Johnson,
Hutchinson, Kansas; Russell Parks, Cheyene, Wyoming; Dr. L. R. Parks, Grand
Island, Nebraska; Raymond Parks, Roscoe Parks and Clifford Parks, all of
Montezuma; Carrol Parks, Johnson, Kansas, and Mrs. E. E. McReynolds,
Montezuma, Kansas.
The family moved to Oklahoma in 1906, where it
remained for two years. Then the home was transferred to Hutchinson, Kansas.
In 1912, the family came on west to Montezuma, where the residence has
continued until this day. The wife and mother, Leah C. Parks, was called to
her reward in February, 1927.
Mahlon H. Parks was one of the
business pioneers in this country. His congenial and appreciative manner
tended to cultivate not only the integrity of the business establishment but
a multitude of loyal friends. As a citizen, he was of a progressive mind,
deeply interested in the development of this western empire along lines that
would insure its future. He was a friend of charities: a considerable help
in starting the project of the new church building this year. He held
membership in the Methodist church in Illinois. The expansion of the
Montezuma school system found him an enthusiastic supporter of education. He
was a tireless worker, giving himself completely to his task, as long as
strength remained.
The past few years of steadily declining health
were spent with an optimism, were spent cheerfully as he watched his
children building their homes 'round about him. It is doubtful whether any
of us will ever really know the depth of his family interest and affection.
It was exceedingly great.
His slipping away at this time brings
mourning to many; but our memory of him will be kindly, even as he spread
kindliness about him. He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Edward Wood,
Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother, Clarence Parks, Lacon, Illinois; the ten
children; nineteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild; and an unusual
number of friends.
Funeral services were held August 25, 1930, at
the M. E. church, L. C. Gale in charge. Interment was made in the Fairview
cemetery.
Extracted 12 Jun 2017 by Norma Hass from 1930 Pictures and Biographical Sketches of the Business Men of Clay City, Illinois.
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