Parmelee, Ashbel Dd

Parmelee, Ashbel D.D., a Presbyterian divine, was born in West Stockbridge, Mass., Oct. 18, 1784. He received an early pious training, and during a revival in 1802 he was converted, and soon after entered upon a course of study, intending to obtain a liberal education and enter the ministry; but his health became impaired, and he was compelled to desist from study. In 1806, having given up the hope of a collegiate education, he began the study of theology with the Rev. Lemuel Haynes, of Rutland, Vt., where he remained for more than a year, and then completed his course with the Rev. Holland Weeks, of Pittsford, Vt. He was licensed Sept. 27, 1808; entered upon his work in Cambridge, Vt., where he labored six months, and the next six months at Hinesville, Vt.; in October, 1809; he commenced preaching in Malone, N. Y., and was ordained pastor of the Congregational Church in that place Feb. 10, 1810. After a pastorate of more than thirty-five years he resigned. In April, 1845, he became pastor at Bangor, N.Y.; in 1848, chaplain in the state prison at Clinton, N. Y.; in 1851, pastor at Champlain, N. Y.; in 1854, at Constable, N. Y.; and in 1857 he returned to Malone, and preached in his old pulpit till his death, May 24, 1862. Dr. Parmelee loved the work of the ministry with all his heart. He was an excellent minister, and naturally gifted as a speaker. See Wilson, Presb. Hist. Almanac, 1863, p. 306; Congregational Quar. 1862, p. 392. (J. L. S.)