Lifelong Highland County resident Oscar Parshall turned 100 years old on July 29

Story and photos courtesy of Mark Branham

Oscar Parshall was born in Highland County on July 29, 1912.

He was one of eight children. He grew up farming and as an adult owned his own farm outside of Boston, with his wife Pearl, for 60 years.

Oscar and Pearl were married on June 29, 1934 and celebrated 67 years together.

A member of the Fall Creek Friends Church, Oscar was a regular attendee for more than 50 years without missing a Sunday worship service. The story goes that one Sunday, in an abnormally snowy winter, he left Pearl at home and trudged through the snow on his tractor to church.

Each year for at least the past 10 years, Oscar has enjoyed a motorcycle ride on his birthday courtesy of Dean Greene. This year was no exception. With the addition of a sidecar, Dean and Oscar wheeled off into the afternoon air on Dean’s Gold Wing.

Along with his annual motorcycle ride, the Parshall family reunion was held in conjunction with Oscar’s 100th birthday party at the Highland County Fairgrounds.

Several people attended and helped him to celebrate his momentous day. Among well wishers in attendance, Oscar received many cards, gifts and phone calls. One such card was very special as it was signed by President Obama and The First Lady.

Oscar loves visitors, and you can stop by and see him at Salyer Group Home at 4420 state Route 247, Hillsboro.