In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1851
From History of Portage County, Ohio (1885)
STEPHEN B. PARSONS, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born on the farm where he now resides in Rootstown Township, February 12, 1851; son of John S. and Lucy S. Parsons, natives of Massachusetts; the former born in Northampton, April 6, 1809, the latter in Southampton, January 5, 1810. They were manner in Massachusetts April 26, 1832, and the same year came to this county, where they remained. Their family numbered four children, two of whom are now living: Lucy W., wife of Wells Seymour, and Stephen B. The deceased are John S. and Mary T., the first wife of J. H. Ray (whose sketch appears in this volume). John S. Parsons died February 12, 1878, and hi& widow is now residing on the home farm with our subject and wife. Our subject was married September 27, 1871, to Ellen M. Keed, born in Rootstown Township, this county, January 22, 1853, daughter of Otis and Melissa Reed (former deceased). To our subject and wife have been born four children: Fannie R., John S., Arthur O. and Charlie H. Mr. Parsons has been engaged in farming all his life, and owns considerable real estate. He and his wife and mother are members of the Congregational Church, and are among the first families of the county.
As printed in History of Portage County, Ohio (1885). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1885. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.