Obituary

Charles Parnham was born in Falbeck, Lincolshire, England, April 23, 1836; died in Burrton, Kansas, May 29, 1911. At the age of 18 he came to America and settled in the state of Illinois. April 23, 1855, he was united in marriage to Margaret Riley. to this union seven children were born, 3 sons and 4 daughters, of whom only two remain - a son, Delbert, and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Kramer. On the 18th of August, 1862, his patriotic blood and the desire for justice to all men so burned within him that he left his home, entered the service of the United States as a private in Co. K, 77th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served 2 years, 11 months and 3 days; receiving an honorable discharge on the 15th day of July, 1865. He was not a soldier for the dress parate but for service, and was present at five hard fought battles - the battle of Arkansas Pass, Fort Gibson, Champion Hill, Black River, and the Siege of Vicksburg. At the last named place he was wounded. On his return home after the war he desired to make for himself and family a new home and in the year 1871 came to Kansas and settled in Harvey County where he staked his claim. He moved to Burrton in 1880 where he has since resided. He was a member of the Methodist Church and was faithful to every charge that was placed in his trust. He was a member of the local Odd Fellow lodge and Farragut Post No. 37, G.A.R. As a good soldier he served both his country and his God. Wearied of the toil of life, God has granted him an honorable discharge and a pension of eternal rest. Services were held Wednesday at the Burrton Methodist Episcopal Church where Rev. Lyman, his Pastor, preached the sermon. In accordance with his will the old soldiers acted as pall bearers and the I.O.O.F. conducted the service at the grave.