Parrish, Nathan Cowrey

Parrish, Nathan Cowrey M.D., a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was born in West Chester, Ohio, Aug. 17, 1834. When he was but thirteen years of age his father died; when about sixteen years of age he began to teach. In 1855, while a student in Brookville College (in the preparatory department of which he was at the same time a teacher), he was converted. In 1856 he received his degree in medicine. He soon after felt impressed that he was called to preach; but he hesitated long to abandon his life-plans. At last, however, his convictions became so settled and thorough that he applied for work in the Kentucky Conference, and was employed by the presiding elder on Vanceburgh Charge. In 1865 he joined the Cincinnati Conference, and was appointed to Venice Circuit. His subsequent appointments were as follows, viz. To Wayne Street, Piqua; Carr Street, Cincinnati; Venice Circuit, Miami Circuit. Morrow Station, where he remained three years. At the conference of 1873 failing health warned him to rest for a season, and he asked a superannuated relation. He died Feb. 15, 1875. Dr. Parrish was a man of sterling worth. Of him it could be faithfully said, he was "diligent, never unemployed, never triflingly employed." During his entire ministry he was in the habit of spending from six to ten hours per day in study. As a preacher he was earnest, practical, and eloquent. As a pastor he was faithful. With: the irreligious he maintained a dignified familiarity that honored his office, made him hosts of friends, and gave him large audiences. He had also a happy faculty of interesting children, and he diligently instructed them. See Minutes of Conferences, 1875, p. 115.