Where do our Parrett's come from?
From Evelyn Graham: Many, many years ago there lived in France, a family who called themselves by the name of Paret. They were driven by the wars into Switzerland, where, as the years went by, both the spelling of the name and their language were changed. There is a monument near Berne that bears the names of men who fought for their country and among the names is inscribed that of Parrette.
One young man, Frederick Parrette, tiring of German rule, and hearing of America and the opportunities the New World afforded, boarded a vessel early in 1737 and sailed away to seek his fortune. With him came his friend, Godfrey Wilkins. It took these two young adventurers six months to reach America. On arrival, they found the Shenandoah Valley was offering the best opportunity to immigrants, so they settled in this area of Virginia.
One young man, Frederick Parrette, tiring of German rule, and hearing of America and the opportunities the New World afforded, boarded a vessel early in 1737 and sailed away to seek his fortune. With him came his friend, Godfrey Wilkins. It took these two young adventurers six months to reach America. On arrival, they found the Shenandoah Valley was offering the best opportunity to immigrants, so they settled in this area of Virginia.
The family of Joseph Gatch Parrett
Parrett family reunion, circa 1890
