J. W. Parrish

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The  Shelby  Democrat
February 13, 1879
VOL. 1; No. 37
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from the article, SMILING SHELBYVILLE!

Dr. J. W. Parrish

Began the practice of Medicine and Surgery in Shelbyville, Indiana, with the commencement of the year 1860, and he has been eminently successful, until now he enjoys a local practice second to none, which extends not only all over this but far into adjoining counties.  The Doctor has devoted most of his time to the treatment of chronic diseases, which he has made a special study, and that his efforts in this direction have received the approbation o the public is shown by the increased demand for his medicines and practice, which have extended to other States in the Union.  So great was this demand that it became necessary, in order to supply the wants of his numerous patients, (he not being able to attend them all in person) that he should place his medicines in some definite form, so as to supply their demands.  This necessity gave rise to the production of his family medicines, so generally used by the more intelligent classes of the people in this and other States.  Accordingly, a few years ago, he commenced the preparation of the following specific remedies:  Wine of Pepsine, an invigorating tonic and corrective of most kinds of stomach diseases, dyspepsia and an impoverished condition of the blood; Pulmonary Balsam, a cure for all forms of lung diseases and incipient consumption; Medicamentum, a remedy for children and adults, for all kinds of bowel complaints; Anodyne Liniment, a remedy for such aches and diseases as are usually reached or benefited by local application; Sugar Coated Liver Pills, for all diseases of the liver, and the Ague Specific, a remedy for chills and fever. These remedies have been before the public for some time, have been used extensively by residents of this and other States, and they all bear witness to their good quality.  They are composed of the best and purest of drugs, and are carefully prepared under the direct supervision of the Doctor himself, who is a practical chemist and pharmaceutist.  The popularity of these medicines has increased rapidly from year to year, until now he has an extensive trade in this State, Ohio, Kentucky, and as far west as Kansas, where they find ready sale and give general satisfaction.  In January, 1875, the Doctor established a general drug store, associating with himself his son, Carey J. Parrish, as equal partner.  The firm is known as

J. W. Parrish & Son,

and they now have one of the neatest and best arranged drug stores in the State. Although young in business, they have come to the front so rapidly, that now they are counted as one of the leading and best firms in the city.  Their motto is "The best is none too good," and as a consequence, they keep nothing but the best and purest of drugs, medicines, etc.  They have a large line of notions, toilet articles, perfumeries, and druggist sundries. Not satisfied with the retail business, they added a wholesale department, and carry an immense stock.  They keep one man on the road constantly, and have made arrangements to put another salesman in the field in a few weeks.  They have, by their fair dealing, succeeded in building up a large trade, which is still on the increase.
          In the early part of October, 1878, this firm fitted up a room expressly for the purpose, and started a cigar factory, which, of itself, is no small affair.  They commenced the manufacture of first-class cigars, and their trade has grown so rapidly that now they have fifteen hands at work constantly.  The merits of a cigar depend, to a great extent, upon the manner in which it is made, and in order that no defects may appear in the manufacture, they have secured the services from different cities, of a class of workmen, that for getting up a neat, good smoking cigar are unsurpassed in any factory.  They use nothing but the best of tobacco and, as a consequence, the cigars turned out by them give universal satisfaction.  They have established a large jobbing trade on cigars of their manufacture, which is rapidly on the increase.  For the benefit of the general public, who, as a rule, are not familiar with this branch of business, the following facts are given, which will enable the people to form some idea of the magnitude of such an establishment: Number of cigars made since the factory commenced operations, near 400,000; number of pounds o tobacco used per week, seven to eight hundred pounds.  The benefits derived from the establishment o a factory of this kind are not confined to the proprietors alone, but extend to the entire community.  It gives employment to a number of persons, starts in circulation quite a sum of money every week, thereby becoming a general benefactor.  The enterprise shown by this firm is commendable, and should receive the hearty co-operation of the citizens of Shelby county.
       Next biography in the "Smiling Shelbyville" newspaper article, Hon. George C. Thacher.
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