D. F. Parsons, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, Richwood. was born in the State of Maine June 20, 1834; he is a son of Charles and Martha (Fernel) Parsons, natives of Maine, the former of English and the latter of Scotch descent. His father was a cabinet-maker by trade. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of seventeen began working at cabinet-making, which he followed during his residence in his native State. After coming to Ohio, he engaged in merchandising, and resided in Knox County until 1864, when he came to Richwood, and for nine years engaged in the furniture business. He also dealt in dry goods in connection with his furniture trade. In 1879, he opened the Commercial Hotel, a neat and commodious building, three stories high, containing twenty-five rooms, a large and well furnished dining room, and good sample rooms. He is a generous and thoughtful landlord, particular about the comfort of his guests, and very popular with the traveling public. He owns valuable property in the business center of the village, and is driving a thriving trade at his hotel. In 1857, he married Mary Swetland, a native of Ohio, of Dutch descent, and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Parsons is a member of the Masonic order, and a Republican in politics.