[THE PARSONS FAMILY.][21]
As it respects the origin of the name of Parsons, some have supposed that it was derived from the word parson, a clerical title, given from the fact that a clergyman is the principal person in the church. Hence in law he is termed ecclesiæ persona, and has full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. The s is added for euphony's sake, or from the fact that the individual was the parson's son.
Others have derived it from the word parish, as parish-son, meaning the son of some parish, one supported or educated by the parish.
And others again have supposed that the name is the same with Person, Peerson, Pierson, and Pearson, modified in the spelling.
Peirson or Peerson is derived, according to Camden, from son of Peter or Peterson, the former coming originally from the French word, Pierre.
It does not appear that there has ever been any attempt to collect even the materials for a history of the English family of Parsons, so far as has come to our knowledge, notwithstanding there have been many individuals among them of great distinction; as knights, baronets, and noblemen. Those of the name are, and have been for a long period, found in several counties; as Devonshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, &c.
Prior to 1672, Andrew Parsons, gent., was of Somersetshire, and Philip Parsons, gent., of Worcestershire. But the earliest record we have noticed is in
1290. Walter was then a resident of Mulso in Ireland. How long before this he or his ancestors went there we know not. The name is still extant there, and something above one hundred years ago, Bishop Gibson remarked, (in his edition of Camden's Britannia,) "The honorable family of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of Viscounts, and more lately, Earls of Ross."
1481. Sir John was Mayor of Hereford, who had for his armorial bearings, Gules, a leopard's head between three crosses patee, fitched in the foot ar.—Crest, a halberd headed az. embued gules.
1546. Robert, afterwards the noted Jesuit, was born this year, and died April 18, 1610, a. 64. He appears to have been the first of note of his family. His father lived near Bridgewater, Eng., at a place called Netherstoway. Robert was educated at Balliol College, Oxford, and was early distinguished for his abilities, but being accused of some irregularities he forsook his country and resided for a time at Antwerp, Louvain, Padua, Rome, Paris and Valladolid. Becoming a convert to the Romish faith, he propagated that doctrine with all his ability, and was no small instrument in stirring up the benighted vassals of Philip II. to attempt the conquest of his native country. The event of that attempt will always be viewed with an intensity of interest.