Parker, John 1864-1904

PARKER, MITCHELL, SPARKS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/4/2012 at 21:08:50

Obituary dated Aug. 19, 1904

JOHN PARKER MURDERED

At one o'clock today John Parker of Washington twp. was shot and instantly killed by George Mitchell, who is in the employ of James Sparks. Officers have been summoned to the scene of the murder.

Mr. Sparks had been to Mr. Parker's and asked T.B. Parker and his son to come over and see some shoates he wished to sell.

When they arrived Mitchell, who is a son of Andrew Mitchell of Searsboro, ordered them to keep off the place. Mr. Sparks said it was his place and to come on. Mitchell then got a shot gun and killed John.

This is the report as we get it by telephone.
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Aug. 23, 1904

--The funeral of John Parker, shot and killed by George Mitchell, south of town Friday, was held from the Westfield Church Sunday afternoon. The church was packed to suffocation and as many more people were unable to get in. The body was laid to rest in the Westfield cemetery. Prof. Parker conducted the services. The deceased was highly respected by those who knew. him. He was a hard working farmer, a good citizen, a kind son and a loving husband and father. Grief stricken relatives and a large number of friends mourn their sad loss to whom the sympathy of this community goes out.