Parker, Robert J. (1822-1897)

PARKER, STEWART, MARSH

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 4/26/2017 at 16:34:32

Saturday Mail, Stanhope, Iowa, Saturday, April 10, 1897

Mr. R.J. Parker, one of Hamilton county's early settlers, died at his home just south of town on Sunday morning, April 4th, after a ten days' illness. On account of the impassable condition of the roads, it was thought best to not hold the funeral until tomorrow. The services will occur at the M.E. church at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Martindale preaching the sermon, after which the remains will be interred in the cemetery [Lawn Hill Cemetery], south of town. The bereaved family has the sympathy of everyone in this great sorrow. A more extended account of the deceased will appear in next week's issue.

Saturday Mail, Stanhope, Iowa, Saturday, April 17, 1897

In the presence of a large company of friends and neighbors, on Sunday, April 11th, 1897, Rev. Martindale, assisted by Rev. Vandewalker, conducted the last sad rites and funeral services of Robert J. Parker, an old settler and respected citizen of Stanhope and Hamilton county.

The services were held in the Methodist church, and although the roads were almost impassable, the church was filled to its utmost capacity with sympathizing friends who knew him in life as a friend, a neighbor and a good citizen.

While the audience were being seated the choir rendered some very appropriate and pathetic music. Rev. Vandewalker read the Scripture lesson, and Rev. Martindale preached an eloquent sermon which was listened to throughout with marked attention. The usual invitation was given to look for the last time upon the face of their friend and neighbor, after which a large procession accompanied the mourning friends to the cemetery, where the body was laid in the grave while the words of the ritual of the church were pronounced, and the tears of the bereaved hearts were falling.

Robert J. Parker was born in Mayfield?, Ohio, February 14, 1822, and died at his home in Stanhope April 4th, 1897. When a young man he moved with his parents to Kendal county, Ill., and on August 8th, 1844, was united in marriage to Lucinda Stewart who still survives him. To this marriage was born four children, three of whom died while living in Illinois. R.W., the only child, is well known to the people, having been a resident of Clear Lake township for many years. He will look after the comfort of his mother as well as manage her business in the future.

Among those from a distance were H. Parker, of Marshall county, only brother of deceased, Mrs. Marsh, of Tama county, only living sister; also R.P. Fitzgerald, of Garwin, an old time friend of the family and a former resident of Clear Lake township.

Shall we miss him? Yes. When we visit our former home and call on our old time friends, we will miss the hearty welcome and friendly grasp of the hand that always greeted us at the door of Robert J. Parker.

His family will miss him more than all. To the grief-stricken widow and son we can only commend the language of inspiration, "Now he is dead, wherefore shall I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me." As we lay this tribute on the grave of our friend and bid him adieu, we do so in full confidence that he is gone.

"Out of the shadows of sadness.
Into the sunshine of gladness,
Into the land of the blest.
Out of a land very dreary,
Out of the world very weary
Into the rapture of rest.
Out of to-day's sin and sorrow
In the blissful to-morrow,
Into a day without gloom.
Out of a day without sighing,
Land of the dead and the dying,
Into the land without a tomb."

R.P. Fitzgerald

A CARD - We wish to express our gratitude to all those who so kindly assisted, or tendered their assistance, during the illness of our husband and father, and for all expressions of sympathy during our sad bereavement.
Mrs. R.J. Parker and Son