Great Parsons Migration
The Great Parsons Migration was the migration of many members of the Parsons family from Newfoundland to Port Arthur, Ontario.
Parsons is the most common surname found in Newfoundland cemeteries. [1]
The Parsons name has a history in Newfoundland dating back to 1676. [2]
From the book “Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland” by E. R. Seary. PARSONS, a surname of England and Ireland – the parson’s servant, or one who lived or worked at the parson’s (house); in Ireland also for Mac an Phearsain (MacPherson in Scotland). [3]
Many of them migrated to Port Arthur from 1890 until 1900 or so.
Some people who migrated include Richard Parsons, and several of his 12+ children:
- Jack Currie's mother Anna Currie descended from this family through her mother, Anne Parsons, who immigrated with her husband George Snook sometime in late 1892 or early 1893.
- Joseph Parsons
- Richard Parsons Jr, the great-grandfather of genealogist Rick Parsons.
Sources
http://www.daveparsons.com/family/parsons05.html
https://www.fhsnl.ca/?topic=parsonsmartin-of-bears-coveharbour-grace
http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/haunting-images-of-life-inside-a-depopulated-newfoundland-town