1785 JOHN PARSONS, (Silversmith and Hardwareman).

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Son of William Parsons of Dean, Northants., labourer, born 1727, apprenticed in 1744 to Wm. Birstall of Leic., cutler and ironmonger, taking up his freedom as a bur~ gess 17 April 1754, and later joining the corporation. A gentleman much esteemed as an honest and worthy inhabitant, both in his private and public capacity. He established a business in the Market Place which was carried on by later members of the family. His eldest son, William, was mayor in 1805.

AId. John Parsons died in the middle of his mayoralty 6 April 1786, aged fifty~nine, and was interred in St. Martin's church with civic honours two days later. M.I. there to him and to his wife who survived him. Will, dated 23 March 1786, was proved at Leic. 13 May following.