(Excerpts from Weik's History of Putnam County, Indiana) 
Elder Ezekiel Wright
"He was born near Lexington, Davidson county, North Carolina, December 19, 1821. His parents were Amos and Elizabeth (Parrish) Wright . This family came to Indiana as early as the fall of 1826, three or four families, consisting of Reuben Wright, brother of Amos Wright, and Edward Parrish , brother of Elizabeth Parrish. Reuben Wright settled near Manhattan, Washington township, Putnam county, and there spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Parrish , settled near the Brick Chapel and lived there until his death. The father of Elizabeth and Edward Parrish , was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He came to Indiana with the rest of the family and lived here until his death, having reached the ripe old age of over ninety years; all that is mortal of him rests in the Long Branch cemetery, his grave never having been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution."
The following Obituary and information was contributed by Phyllis Ulrich, noting that there are conflicting reports concerning the age of Edward Parrish at death : In the biographical sketches of Ezekial Wright found in the books, "History of Putnam County" and "Weik's History of Putnam County, Indiana, " we learn that Edward Parrish, came to Indiana with his son, Edward Parrish and daughter and son in-law, Elizabeth and Amos Wright in the fall of 1826 with three or four other families. It is stated that his maternal grandfather, Edward Parrish, was a Revolutionary War Soldier and "lived to the ripe old age of over ninety years; all that is mortal of him rests in Long Branch Cemetery, his grave never having been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution." 
Of importance is the fact Ezekial Wright, the source of the published histories, was a young man in his twenties at the time of his Grandfather's death. Ezekial was living in Putnam County at this time and thus should be considered a creditable witness to the facts. He was certainly personally acquainted with his Grandfather Parrish. The 44 intervening years, from the time the first history was written in 1887 and the death of Edward Parrish, may have dimmed Ezekial's memory as to his grandfather's exact age but he certainly was aware of the facts.
Published in the Greencastle Visitor, January 25, 1843 is an obituary for Edward Parrish. Died- - At the residence of Elijah Wright of Madison Township in this county. Mr. Edward Parish in his 95th year of his age. The deceased had out lived all his contemporaries in the regular discharge of every Christian Duty and died at the advanced age of 95, leaving a large posterity to lament his loss but their loss is his gain. He had served his country faithfully in the war of the Revolution.
Elijah Wright married Susanna Parrish, daughter of Edward Parrish. The obituary collaborates the history as given by Ezekial. Much later than the publishing of the Weik's History in 1910, the DAR placed a marker on Edward Parrish grave in the Long Branch Cemetery. It reads:
EDWARD PARRISH NC, Pvt. HADLEY'S CO 10 NC REGT Revolutionary War 1762-1826
Notice needs to be taken of the inscribed dates on the marker. Calculation of them places Edward Parrish age as 64 years at the time of his death. These dates fly into the face of the historical accountings given in the histories and obituary. 
This marker along with many other works can be traced to the DAR records which were based on May Meighan Pershin's application and the newsletter Parrish the Sought to which May Meighan Pershin was a contributor. Descendants of Edward Parrish Sr. can no longer join Daughters of the American Revolution based on records of May Meighan Pershin . Too many errors and inconsistencies are unresolved. However notice should also be made of the fact the DAR application of May Pershin did not specifically state Edward Parrish died in 1826 but after 1826. In other words, a date of death wasn't established; only the marker is specific. 
NOTE: The Daughters of the American Revolution now have a stone commemorating the Revolutionary War service of Edward Parrish (Sr.), in the Long Branch Cemetery.
While we were researching genealogy in Adams County Illinois, we also found the gravestone of Elizabeth Langford , second wife of Reuben Parrish (step-mother to Dr. Richard B. Parrish , since we believe Cynthia Lane was Richard's mother). Elizabeth's gravestone was located in a barnyard resting against a tree, where it was placed by the farmer. He said the marker had washed away during flooding from it's original location near a cornfield where a house stood many years ago. The only remnant remaining of the homestead is a hand pump where the water well was located. Although Elizabeth's actual grave-site is unknown, the farmer assured us he would take care of the gravestone. It's only a coincidence that we found Elizabeth's stone to begin with. We were about to give-up on the search since we were using some old documents of gravesite locations, but Sandy suggested (a woman's intuition, I suppose) that we stop at this farmhouse and ask about any graves in the area, not having any idea it was on this property or that a headstone still existed. (Note.. The gravestone has since been moved to the Johnson Cemetery, next to Reuben's stone, with the help of Parrish cousins and support of the Miller family farm) We found Reuben's headstone located in the unkept Johnson Cemetery, (Adams County) a few miles away on a small hill in the middle of a cowpasture. We have no idea why they were not buried together. The grave stone was covered by weeds and partially buried by soil. To take a picture, it was necessary to high light the marker by using the technique of applying shaving lather to the surface and then using the rubber edge of a squeegee to remove the lather while leaving the residue in the inscription. 

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Thus far, the earliest records found in Rowan County, North Carolina that leads to specifically concluding it is of Edward Parrish Sr are the Militia Tax Lists. Understanding the laws which governed taxing and inclusion on the lists lends itself to learning more of Edward Parrish and his family. I have drawn on the work of Jo White Linn as found in her book Rowan County, North Carolina Tax List 1757 - 1800 as a resource for drawing historical meaning to the life of Edward Parrish Sr. and his family.
"Militia districts were based on population, which resulted in changing district boundaries as the population pattern shifted. For this reason a man could be in one district one year, in a neighboring district the next year, and back in his original district the following year even though he was living on the same farm the entire time." The districts define a group of men living within close proximity to each other. 
Basically the size of the militia company was fifty, but it could vary in size from thirty to one hundred men. Prior to 1786 men reaching 60 were free from militia duty but still paid taxes. But that year the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that stated all free males and servants between the ages of twenty one and sixty .......were subject to payment of public taxes (poll). This was the law in effect in 1798 when Edward was taxed on 400 acres and paid a poll that year. Thus he is under age 60. 
The 1800 Rowan County, North Carolina Census lists the Edward Parrish household, including himself and wife, with 4 males and 5 females. 
1 male 10-16 ( b. 1784-1790);
2 males 16-26 (b. 1774-1784); 
1 male 45 or older (b. 1755 or before) =Edward Sr. 
2 female 0-10 (1790-1800);
2 female 10-16 (1784-1784) 
1 female 26-45 ( 1755-1774) =wife
Starting in 1798 Edward Parrish, along with several others with the Parrish surname began appearing on the tax and census records of Rowen County. Burrell Parrish is found on the 1798 militia list along with Edward Parrish Sr. Burrell paid a poll tax but has no property. Two conclusions can be made concerning Burrell. He has turned 21and must be living with someone. Men included in a given district lived in close proximity so Edward Sr. is the logical choice. The circumstances point to Burrell being a probable son. Burrell is included in the 1800 Rowan County Census and militia lists through 1806 when he removed to Alabama. The 1850 Hardin County, Tennessee supports the fact he turned 21 in 1798. 
Exemption from poll tax was changed in 1801 to age 50. While no militia list for Rowan County was found for 1801, several deeds executed in that year indicates Edward Parrish was still living there. His residence is indicated to be on Lick Creek which is at the southeastern boundary of Rowan County.
Capt Parr's Company 1802 militia list includes Edward Parrish Sr. He is not paying a poll which means he is at least 50 according to the law of 1801. The change in law does not exclude him from having been more than 50 when the law took effect. His age would depend on how much less than 60 he was in 1798. We only know he was over 50 in 1802 and was born no later than 1755 according to the 1800 census. So a definite age has not been established for Edward.
Along with Edward and Burrell, Ansel Parrish is named on the 1802 Capt. Parr's Company list. He has 200 acres and 1 poll indicating he is at least 21. Ansel was not named on the 1798 militia list nor listed by name in the 1800 Census. This situation indicates Ansel has turned 21 between 1800 and 1802. His age recorded on the 1850 Rowen County Census indicates Ansel was born in 1780 so he turned 21 in 1801. By comparing the 1780 birth with the males in Edward Parrish household in 1800, his birth coincides with one of the males listed in the 16-26 age category (1774 - 1784). These circumstances supports the probability that Ansel is a son of Edward. 
Capt Harmon's Company, in 1804, includes Edward Parrish, Jr. with 100 acres and 1 poll tax. Allowing an 1803 militia list wasn't found and he wasn't included on the 1802 listing we can concluded, Edward turned 21 in 1803 or before the 1804 list was formed. This points to a 1782 - 83 birth year and is congruent with the 1800 Census which shows a male born 1774-1784 in the Edward Parrish, Sr household.
Also in 1804 in Capt. G ___ Company are Ansel Parrish (300 acres, 1 poll); Burrell Parrish (200 acres, 1 poll); Edward Parrish 373 acres; and Edward Parrish (140 acres, 1 poll). It appears the junior Edward Parrish is enumerated twice in 1804. Edward Sr's acreage in 1802 was 513 acres. His acreage has reduced by 140 acres in 1804. It is probably not a coincidence that the same figure is shown to be owned by Edward Jr in 1804. Burrell Parrish is not found on later lists. 
The 1807, Captain _____ Company enumerates Edward Parrish (150 acres, 1 poll); Edward Parrish (200 acres) and Ezekial Parrish (200 acres, 1 poll). Ezekial turned 21 between 1805-1806 pointing to a birth between 1784-1785. This is congruent with the 1800 census indicating a male b. 1784 -1790 was residing in the Edward Parrish, Sr household. 
Captain Snider's Company in 1811 includes Sodwick Pullom paying 1 poll. but has no property. He has turned 21 about 1790. Lodwick Pullum has is shown by other researchers as being the husband of Gilley Parrish, who is thought to be a daughter of Edward Parrish. This list certainly places him at the right place at the right time. 
January 1819 Edward Parrish, Sr deeded land to Ansel Parrish on Lick Creek purchased previously of L. Beard and Carson. Witness: Amos Wright and Isom Wright. Recorded Lexington, Rowan County, North Carolina. Researchers of the Wright lineage have established that Elizabeth, Susanna, and Delana are daughters of Edward. They each married three Wright brothers. Elizabeth was the mother of Ezekial Wright of the Putnam County, Indiana biographical sketches. 
Another look at the 1800 Rowan County Census shows these three daughters and the young Parrish men that turned 21 on the tax lists dovetail with the ages of those enumerated in 1800. Later census have been used to further document their births. The exception is Edward Jr., Ezekial, and Gilley who were deceased prior to 1850.
2 m 16-26 (b.1775-1784) fits Ansel (b 1780) and Edward (b ca 1783)
1m 10-16 (b. 1785-1790) fits Ezekial b. 1786
2 f 10-16 (b. 1785-1790) fits Gilley and Elizabeth b. 1790 2 f 0-10 (b. 1790-1800) fits Susan b. 1792 and Delana b. 1799
1m 45+ (b. on / before 1755) fits Edward Sr. 1 f 26-45 (b. 1755-1774) fits wife (Susannah Wright)
Assuming that Edward Parrish's wife was at least sixteen years of age at the birth of the oldest son, Burrell, in 1777 one can conclude she was likely born 1755 - 1761. 
The 1820 Rowan County, North Carolina Census lists on page 108, Edward Parrish, Jr. household. On page 356 Edward Parrish Sr. and his wife are enumerated: 1 m 16-26 (b. 1794-1804); 1m 45+; 1f 45+ (b. on/before 1775); 
The 1800 census doesn't show a male child in the 0-10 group, (born 1790-1800). So if the young male belongs to the Edward Parrish household he was born after 1800 and his birth is limited to occuring no later than 1804. 
By 1820 the known children of Edward Parrish had married so consideration needs to be given to the possibility to the young male being a grandson. Burrel Parrish moved to Tennessee about 1806 so it is doubtful he left young son living with his grandparents. 
On January 8, 1825 a deed was granted to Jordan Parrish from Lodewick Pulliam. The land was adjacent to Edward Parrish Sr, Ansyl Parrish, and Reuben Wright. Witnesses: Reubin and Amos Wright. The 1827 Tax list of Davidson County, North Carolina includes only Jordan Parrish and Ansel Parrish. Jordan Parrish continues to appear on Davidson County Tax Lists throughout 1834. He has been found in McNairy County, Tennessee after this date. 
So who is Jordan Parrish? Probate records for Ezekial Parrish who died in 1829 Putnam County Indiana do not mention Jordan Parrish nor does the will of Edward Parrish Jr which was written in 1833. Further, probate of Edward Parrish Jr's estate gives no mention of a Jordan. Ansel was not married until 1805 so seemingly Jordan is not his son. Further the will of Ansel does not include Jordan as an heir. These circumstances indicate the young male in the Edward Parrish Sr. household in 1820 Rowan County, North Carolina Census is Jordan and he is the son of Edward Parrish Sr. 
The 1827 Rowan County, North Carolina Tax list confirms that Edward had left that county by this date. No will or probate record has been found for Edward Parrish in Putnam County, Indiana. 
Further defining Edward Parrish Sr. birth/ age. The biographical sketches of Ezekial Wright published in "History of Putnam County" and "Weik's History of Putnam County " (Indiana) offer these nuggets of information relating to the life of Edward Parrish, Sr. and his family....." Amos Wright and Elizabeth Parrish came in the fall of 1826 with three or four other families... the father of Elizabeth Parrish (Wright) came to Indiana with the rest of the family and lived here until his death, having lived to the ripe old age of over 90 years. ...."his (Ezekial's) maternal grandfather was a Revolutionary War Soldier and "lived to the ripe old age of over ninety years; all that is mortal of him rests in Long Branch Cemetery, his grave never having been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution." Weik's History p. 616 published 1910; The History of Putnam County.. - p.268, p. 352 published 1887 
Published in the Greencastle Visitor, January 25, 1843 is an obituary for Edward Parrish. Died- - "At the residence of Elijah Wright of Madison Township in this county. Mr. Edward Parish in his 95th year of his age. The deceased had out lived all his contemporaries in the regular discharge of every Christian Duty and died at the advanced age of 95, leaving a large posterity to lament his loss but their loss is his gain. He had served his country faithfully in the war of the Revolution." 
The obituary corroborates the history as given by Ezekial. Edward's birth year is calculated to be 1748 but with a January death the unlikelihood of him having celebrated a January birthday in 1843 could easily place his birth year as 1747. The 1747/48 is congruent with the 1801 law that established he no longer paid a poll. He was 54 in 1801. 
While not exact, support of the 1747/48 birth year is found in the 1800 Rowan County Census which indicates Edward is age 45 + or meaning he was born on or before 1755. A 1755 on or before birth does not negate the 1748/47 birth as established in the histories and obituary. This age and birth are in agreement with the tax lists; 1800 Census; the biographical information as well as the obituary. 
Much later than the publishing of the Weik's History in 1910, the DAR, placed a marker on Edward Parrish grave in the Long Branch Cemetery (Putnam County) based on the application of May Pershin. It was dedicated it on 15 October 1972. 
EDWARD PARRISH NC, Pvt. HADLEY'S CO 10 NC REGT Revolutionary War 1762-1826 
Notice needs to be taken of the inscribed dates. These dates fly into the face of the historical accounting given in the histories, obituary, 1800 census and militia tax lists. 
Notice should also be made of the fact the DAR application of May Pershin did not specifically state Edward Parrish died in 1826 but after 1826. In other words, a date of death wasn't established; only the marker is specific. Of importance is the fact Ezekial Wright, the source of the published histories, was a young man in his twenties at the time of his Grandfather's death. Ezekial was living in Putnam County at this time and thus should be considered a creditable witness to the facts. He was certainly personally acquainted with his Grandfather Parrish. The 44 intervening years, from the time the first history was written in 1887 and the death of Edward Parrish, may have dimmed Ezekial's memory as to his grandfather's exact age but he certainly was aware of the facts. 
Also called into question is the military service credited to Edward Parrish. Pierce's Register lists Edward Parrish (Page 387, #913352). It was issued to a Regiment under Col. Thomas Clarke, North Carolina, paid to November 15, 1783; R. Fenner agent. However the Roster of Soldiers from North Carolina, published by the North Carolina DAR, 1932 lists Edward Parish #913352, page 155 as Pvt in Hadley's Company. Enlistment is shown as 1 August 1882 for 18 months with a remark he died 16 January 1783. 
With the many inconsistency associated with the DAR records of May Meighan Pershin, descendants of Edward Parrish Sr. can no longer join Daughters of the American Revolution based on her records. "Since then DAR has placed a note on their website indicating our Edward may have served in the Hillsborough District and not in Buncombe Co., which past papers indicated Hadley's Co., covered. " From North Carolina Revolutionary War Accts; E. Parrish VIII,-13-4 Edward Parish IX-84-2 (this record says 6, I'm assuming pds, and 2, assume shillings or something), was paid by Hillsborough Treasury Office on 4/1785 and has Nathaniel Jones, Sheriff, Wake Co., written on the side. Wake County was part of the Hillsborough District back then. It was formed in 1771 from Orange/Johnston and Cumberland Counties. Edward Paris A216 "No further conclusions can be made at this time regarding Edward Parrish military record. " 
No will or probate records have been found for Edward Parrish. The Putnam County Indiana histories name two children, Elizabeth (Parrish) Wright and Edward Parrish, Jr as having come to Indiana with him. Edward Sr. died in Isom &amp; Susan Wright's home thus an indication Susan is another daughter. Besides the above mentioned, Wright researchers include Delana as having married a Wright brother. It is this researchers opinion that the circumstances addressed earlier in this report on the Parrish men and daughters named, Burrell, Ansel, Ezekial, Edward Jr. and Jordan, Gilley, Delana, Susan, and Elizabeth should rightfully take their place on the family group sheet of Edward Parrish Sr.