Parker, Charles H. Sr. 1822-1896

PARKER, REA, HOUGHES

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/24/2003 at 12:01:46

Charles H. Parker, Sr., died in Chicago, March 27, 1896, of rheumatism of the heart, leaving two sons – Charles H., Jr., and Edward J. Parker, of this county, and a daughter, Mary E., wife of W. P. Rea, of Chicago, and seven grandchildren, to mourn the loss of a kind, loving father.

Mr. Parker was born in Kent, England, October 11, 1822. When about fourteen years of age he came to New York City, where he lived to manhood. On October 17, 1847, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Houghes, who preceded her husband to the better land, February 12, 1891. In the summer of 1856 they came to this county and settled on a farm in what is now Sherman Township. After the death of Mrs. Parker, Mr. Parker went to Chicago and made his home with his daughter, but made annual visits to his sons.

In early life, while yet in his teens, he learned to put his trust in his Heavenly Father and accepted the Savior for his own. He joined the Freewill Baptist Church and ever remained a faithful follower of the Lord Jesus. When the sad message came Friday evening, the oldest son went to Chicago. Short but impressive services were held at the home Sunday evening, by the pastor of the Oakley Avenue Baptist Church, of which deceased was a member. The remains were brought to this city on Monday, (the daughter being unable to come on account of illness in her family) and the funeral was from the Baptist Church at 2 o’clock p.m. conducted by Rev. D. Brown of New Sharon, music was by a quartette consisting of Miss Townsend, Miss Griebeling, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Earley, with Miss Treman as organist, and all that was mortal of our friend and brother was laid to rest in our beautiful cemetery by the side of the loved wife, to await the coming of the final day, when it shall be spoken unto them, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” ~ The Newton Record, Friday, April 3, 1896, Page 1, Column 4