Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1907-01-07
SPUDFARRISH DIESSUDDENL
Passes Away AZ Home Of Sister in Grifans-
burg, Virgins.
LIVED IN INVAuD's CHAR FIVE YEARS
Was n Former Omaha Fireman and
Member of Elks' Fraternity and
Popular with All who
Knew Him.

John c. Parrish, better known to his
friends as "Spud," has died az his sisters
home at Grifiinsburg, Va, after having
suffered five years from an injury TO his
spine received I'm a fall on Farnam street.
During these five years he was practically
all OF the time in a roller chair.
Mr.. Parrish died Sunday morning. The
news OF his death was received from his
sister, Mrs. Florence Yates by Fire Chief
Charles A. Salter II was only a brief tell
egram. merely announcing the death. and
saying nothing about funeral arrangements
or disposition OF the body
For some time each day has been looked
upon as "spuds" last Last Wednesday
Mrs Salter received a letter from Mrs.
Yates in which she said "Spud" could not
live many days.
"Spud" has always written TO his friends
in Omaha whenever he was able. The last
words from his own hand came on a postal
card to Chief Salter on Christmas day. At
the same time Christmas cards were re-
ceived by some of the fire boys who had
been his comrades.
Spud Parrish came to Omaha In 1854
long, lean and lanky southern youth with
a decided soft southern accent which came
to him with life at Culpepper Court House,
Va, and he went to work almost imme-
uldIely lot GeyCke BTOS.s n commission 0f1n
which was then In business at Tenth and
Farnam streets. spud was popular from
the first and derived his nickname from
handling potatoes for this commission firm.
He worked for Peycke Bros for four
years and then Joined the paid fire DEPART
ment as a member of a hook and ladder
company. After several years in that
branch of the service he took the position
of clerk to Fire Chief Jack Galligan, which
position he held until incapacitated by the
accident which left him an invalid.
| Spud was n member of the Elks' fra
ternity and was most popular among his
| large circle of friends, and many a poor
man has felt the kindness which was all
ways being extended by this prince of good
fellows. He had the misfortune to lose
one of his hands several years ago. and
| in a peculiar manner. He was on the eve
of departure for Chicago, and someone
handed him a firecracker, which he at
tempted to light. Thinking he had not
succeeded he held the bomb in his hand
until the explosion tore his hand away,
some parts of 1T being found clear across
the street This accident darkened the
| Fourth Of July for his many friends in
Omaha.
Many tales are told on the genial Spud.
At one time he was going east and bor-
II
rowed large diamond from Harry Moores.
While sitting in front of a hotel in WASH
ington a thief grabbed his diamond and
ran. Spud pursued for twelve blocks and
/ finally wore the thief out and held him
until the arrival of the police. The robber
had thrown the diamond away, but he was
sent to the penitentiary.
| After the accident which deprived Spud
of the use of his limbs his brother Elks
| gave benefit and raised about 5000.
which was used to send him to his old
home at Griffinsburg Va, where he has
been cared for by loving friends.
During this time he had been able to
write to some of his Omaha friends, and
each fall has sent bag of Virginia chest.
nuts to the Owl club, of which he was a
member. This club reciprocated by meet
| ing and having their photographs taken,
which were forwarded to Spud. A letter
was received by a representative Of the
club in which Spud expressed his appreca-
| ton of the kind remembrance,
spud was always interested in the SPORT
| ing events of the world and none was
| better posted than he. He took an active
part in all events of a sporting nature in
Omaha and was the promoter of many Of
the boxing bouts which were pulled off IN
the city in the olden days.