Park, Oliver Winslow 1849-1930

PARK, BREWSTER, TREAT, BEATON, CARPENTER, BLACK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/24/2011 at 10:46:25

OLIVER WINSLOW PARK

Oliver Winslow Park was born in Searsport Harbor, Maine, June 7, 1849, the son of Captain and Mrs. Oliver Crary Park. His parents were first cousins, his mother's maiden name having been Catherine Elizabeth Park, and both came of an illustrious ancestry. Mr. Park was a direct great grandson of Captain John Park, Revolutionary War hero and a direct descendant of Robert Treat, who for forty years was deputy or governor of Connecticut in the early Colonial days. Robert Treat was governor at the time of the famous Charter Oak episode which has come down in history and in fact the name of his father, Richard, is one of those which appears in the original charter which was so artistically concealed at that time. Mr. Park's great grand father Griffin was a direct descendant of Elder William Brewster who came in the Mayflower. Mrs. Park was also descended from Richard Treat through his daughter Honor Treat.

Oliver's mother died when he was fifteen years old and in order to help support the family, as explained above he followed the sea for eight years, this being the most natural occupation for a Maine boy at that time. At the age of 23, on June 1, 1872, he came to this community and after a hospitable reception in the little settlement of Grinnell settled on a farm in the Chester community which he farmed for some time. Later he took a claim in Franklin county, Nebraska.

Mr. Park was married January 19, 1878, at Kearney, Neb., to Carrie Ruth Beaton, the ceremoney being performed by Rev. Mr. Fifield, himself an early resident for a short time of Grinnell and by way of a honeymoon tour they enjoyed a fifty mile ride in a lumber wagon from the ceremonies to the claim.

After living for some time in Nebraska, Mr. and Mrs. Park moved back to Poweshiek county to be near Mrs. Park's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Beaton, and made their home for forty years on the Beaton farm three miles northwest of Grinnell. In 1922, when Mr. Park lost his sight as a result of influenza they moved to Grinnell and have since made their home at 1216 Main street.

He leaves his devoted wife, with whom he spent over fifty years of perfect happiness, two daughters, Mrs. J.L. Carpenter of near Malcom and Ada, at home, and one son, Hubbard Beaton Park of Morgan Hill, Calif.; also a sister, Mrs. Amy Black, and a nephew, Oliver Park Black of Boston and four grand children, David, Winslow, Donovan and Ruth Carpenter.

Mr. Park joined the Congregational church in Chester and has been a devoted Christian his whole life long. He was faithful in attendance at church services until the failing of his sight and hearing prevented, and after he was confined to his home he found a great comfort in the radio which brought him every Sunday the sermons which he loved to hear. He was a man devoted to his home, where the sweetness of his nature and his thoughtful care were ever in evidence. In spite of the afflictions of his later years he has never complained and has ever been appreciative of the ministrations of his devoted wife and daughter, and the visits of his daughter Louise and family. He was interested and helpful as his means allowed in every movement for good in this community and his influence has always been on the side of right things.

His illness had not been acute until the past few days and death came peacefully to end a life full of years and good deeds. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him for all recognized his sterling worth.