Welcome to the Adrian Parsons Historical Marker here in Avon, Indiana. This marker commemorates the life and achievements of Adrian A. Parsons, a notable figure in the agricultural history of Indiana. Born in 1846 in North Carolina, Adrian Parsons was a Civil War veteran who later became a pioneer in farming innovation. Settling near this very location in 1884, Parsons began practicing diversified farming which would eventually lead to his groundbreaking work with soybeans.
During the 1890s, when soybeans were not yet a staple in U.S. agriculture, Parsons saw the potential in this crop and began cultivating it with dedication. His work was instrumental in demonstrating the practical utility of soybeans as a source of forage and fertilizer for average farms. In 1905, he developed the Mikado variety of soybean, and he was among the first to boost yields by inoculating seeds with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, a practice that would become standard in modern agriculture.
In 1928, the American Soybean Association recognized Parsons as “the pioneer of all soybean growers in Indiana.” This recognition was a testament to his influence on the farming community. By the time of his passing in 1929, Indiana farmers had planted 326,000 acres of soybeans, and by 1939, the number had soared to over 1.3 million acres, making Indiana the second-largest producer in the nation.
Adrian Parsons’ legacy is not just in the numbers but in the broader context of agricultural innovation that he championed. His story is one of foresight and perseverance, contributing to the transformation of Indiana’s agricultural landscape. As you stand here, take a moment to reflect on how one man’s vision helped shape an industry that continues to feed and fuel the world.
