Born in Allegany County, New York. Enlisted in the 50th New York Engineers for three years at Chemung, Chemung County, New York. Mustered in as a Private in Company D the same day he enlisted. Mustered out with his Company at Fort Barry, Virginia. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Lewistown, Mifflin County, Pennsylvania. Military records spell his last name as "Parcells".