In the varied and tangible evidences of man’s creative and constructive ability, none commands more universal respect than that class of work which evolves the many types of human habitation. Ordinary though the uses of buildings may be, through them a city or town takes on its visual character. Thus it is that no slight credit accrues to carpenter, architect or contractor, whose organizing ability makes possible those structures which combine usefulness, durability and harmony of outline. Edgar Green Parish might be one of those who, adapting the old saying, exclaim: “Let me erect the buildings of the city, and I care not who makes its laws.” As a matter of fact, Mr. Parish is concerned with both the building and the law-making in Jackson, Tennessee.
Mr. Parish’s genealogy is Virginian, his birthplace in Mila, Gibson County, Tennessee, the date of his nativity the 11th of July, 1868. His parents were Nehemiah Parish, an undertaker of that town, and Lucinda Poole Parish, his wife. The former lived until 1884, but the latter’s demise occurred in 1878, when Edgar Green Parish, the son, was ten years of age.
Leaving Tennessee at the age of twelve and going to Clinton, Kentucky, for residence, Edgar G. Parish received his final education in Marvin College, of that place. After his five years of life in Kentucky, he returned to Tennessee, settling at Jackson, where for two years he engaged in the work of a carpenter. In 1887, he turned his knowledge of construction to account in taking up the contracting business for himself. This line of activity Mr. Parish has ever since continued, his contracts becoming more and more numerous and important. He has supervised the erection of some of the most modern buildings in Jackson, and, in fact, in this entire section of the state. The structures for which he is responsible as contractor include, among others, the First National Bank, the new high school, the Elks’ building, and the Southern Hotel. He is also notable for handsome and up-to-date private residences.
Jackson has honored Mr. Parish with civic office. In 1904 he was placed on the board of alderman and has ever since continued to serve in that capacity. He had before that time for six years made one of the Madison county court. In both offices his judgment and his sanity of viewpoint have been such as to win respect and appreciation.
Mr. Parish’s large circle of friends includes many brothers of fraternal orders, in which the contractor has taken high honors. The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks claims his membership in lodge No. 192; the Knights of Pythias in Lancelot lodge No. 13, in which he has held every office except that of chancellor commander; and the Order of Moose; in which he is also an important member.
In 1891 Mr. Parish was married to Miss L. Moss, who died in 1899. His second marriage was solemnized in 1904, when Miss Edna Patton Wheeler, of Henderson, Tennessee, became Mrs. Parish. The two children of the family are both sons and are called Edgar Moss Parish and Robert Harvey Parish. The family are valued members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In political affiliation, Mr. Parish is a Democrat.
Source: Hale, Will T, and Dixon L. Merritt. A History of Tennessee and Tennesseans: The Leaders and Representative Men in Commerce, Industry and Modern Activities. Chicago: Lewis Pub. Company, 1913. Volume 5.
