Historical Materials

In 1859 William Parsons II was listed as a winner of "a winter scene, giving a representation of cutting vessels out of the ice" at the lottery held at Procter Brothers.

In her account, Sharon Worley notes that two paintings now at the Cape Ann Museum, (Looking up Squam River from Done Fudging, 1850s (inv. 26)) and a painting by Mary Blood Mellen, were found in the house of William Parsons II at 61 Middle Street by his great-granddaughter, who donated them to the Museum.

According to Mary Sibbalds in her book Descendants of Jeffrey Parsons of Gloucester, 2006, “William was a senior member of the firm William Parsons II & Co. which did extensive business in fish and salt in East Gloucester. The company had thirteen vessels engaged in the Banks fisheries. They were also a leading salt importing business … up and down the coast.”

His obituary states that he was a director of the Cape Ann National Bank (for 23 years), of the Gloucester Mutual Fishing Insurance Co., of the Board of Trade and a director and one of the founders of the Seamen’s Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Society. He was also a trustee of the Cape Ann Savings Bank for 11 years and President of the Gloucester Salt Co.

In the List of Vessels belonging to the District of Gloucester, 1869 - 1909, Procter Bros., three schooners are listed as belonging to Wiliam Parsons II. It appears that he owned them jointly with his brothers and half-brothers.

William Parsons was born 8/20/1815 in Gloucester to Benjamin Parsons and Susan Coas. He was married twice, First on 5/1/1841 to Martha A. H. Friend (1819-1851) and second on 6/15/1852 to Mary Elisa Somes (1814-1898). He died on 10/1/1882 in Gloucester aged 67.

—Stephanie Buck