MRS. J. W."ELIZA" (McQUIGG) PARKER

MCQUIGG, PARKER, ANDERSON, CURTIS, WEST

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 1/7/2017 at 15:03:14

Dubuque Daily Herald, August 1, 1901

PIONEER’S DEATH
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MRS. J. W. PARKER PASSES
AWAY AFTER A SHORT
ILLNESS
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LIVED IN DUBUQUE OVER FORTY YEARS
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Was the Widow of the Late Capt.
Parker – A Man Well Known On
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers
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Mrs. Eliza Parker died July 31, 1901, at her residence, 61 Julien Avenue, this city. She had been in feeble health for some time and had been unconscious for five days before she ceased to breathe. Blessed in life with a good constitution she scarily ever knew what it was like to be sick and lived to the ripe age of 84 years, 5 month and 9 days, thus remaining with her children 8 years longer than her consort, Capt. Joshua W. Parker, who died in 1893. Her death was purely from old age and she passed away euthanasia to the quiet, painless and peaceful rest which she found at the end of life’s journey.

Mrs. Parker’s maiden name was Eliza McQuigg. She was born in Spencer, Tioga County, New York, and Feb. 22, 1817. Her parents dying when she was rather young she went to live with an older brother in Rutland, Ohio. There she married Capt. Parker Feb. 19, 1834. The captain was then in the boating business in Cincinnati and after wards became prominent in the calling on the upper Mississippi. After living in Cincinnati quite a time and a few years in Galena, Ill., the family came to Dubuque in 1860.

Mrs. Parker leaves five living children, having lost only one son, William. The survivors are Jennie, now Mrs. West, Mrs. Fannie Curtis of Tacoma, Washington, Charles of California, Frank of Chicago, Carrie Bell, now Mrs. Eugene Anderson.

Perhaps a happier couple never lived than Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Many remember the genial, kindly and courteous gentleman while he plied the river and lived in the Key City of Iowa. Mrs. Parker was possessed with all the domestic virtues, made home happy, and raised her children, particularly her daughters with the utmost affection. A special trait in her character was her love of flowers. Upon the care and culture of these she devoted much attention. Of late years her home was made noted for profuse flowery surroundings. She delighted to bestow them on acquaintances and friends and to cut them freely as tributes on funeral occasions. While a model woman in the more immediate relation as a friend and neighbor Mrs. Parker was much esteemed and beloved. What she could do to aid, comfort and benefit those who knew or who were within her influence she was ever ready to manifest. Her own life was sunny and cheerful with perhaps the exception of the years following after the death of her husband. These were evidently tinged with a depression, a gentle sadness that at time were noticeable. A life-long member of the Congregational Church she has never been without the guidance, support and consolation of religion. When such persons as Mrs. Parker pass from scenes and where duty and usefulness sedulously exemplified then is a void left in the ordinary course of nature and Providence into which only dazed affection and tender sorrow and seemingly enter. Thus fade the leaves of humanity in time that they may more freshly spring into being on the tree of immortal life.