PARKER, Jerry Marlow: 1841-1898

PARKER, STEWART

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 7/10/2013 at 05:05:22

DEATH OF MARLOW PARKER.

Last Friday morning, June 3, 1898, the tolling of the Bentonsport church bell announced to the community the death of a good man and good citizen, J. Marlow Parker. This sad event was not wholly unexpected as he has been in failing health for several months and the end came peacefully at 20 minutes past five o'clock a.m., Friday.

Jerry Marlow Parker was born near Huntington, West Virginia, March 27, 1841, and moved with his parents to Van Buren county, Iowa, in 1845, where he grew to manhood. At the beginning of the war he promptly enlisted and was a member of the brave Company F, 2nd Iowa Infantry, being in the battles of Fort Donelso, Shiloh and Corinth. In the last named battle he received four wounds and was discharged for disability in 1863.

Returning to his old home he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Stewart, of Bentonsport, December 24, 1863. To this union were born seven children, six of whom, with the bereaved wife, survive.

In 1887 he moved his family to Fort Madison, where he held a position for eight years as guard in the penitentiary, until failing health compelled relinquishment. In 1895 he moved again to Bentonsport, and for a length of time was mail carrier, until about six weeks ago when he became too weak for any labor. For many years he had been a member of the Methodist church, and like a brave, good soldier that he was, met the last enemy, Death, without fear. He belonged to Shriver post, G.A.R., and received the attentions and tributes of respect which that body bestows upon a dead comrade.

Funeral services were held in the Bentonsport M.E. church on Sunday morning, June 5, Rev. A.E. Thornley officiating, selecting his text from the 1st chapter, 21st verse, of Phillipians. All the children of the deceased were present, except one daughter who was unable to attend. The casket was draped with flags and covered with flowers. The church could not contain all the acquaintances assembled to pay respect to the living and to the dead. Several members from the G.A.R. post, of Bonaparter, assisted in the solemn services, among whom were T.P. Henry and Haveland Stewart, two surviving army comrades of company F, 2nd Iowa Infantry of which V.P. Twombly was captain. Interment was made in the Bentonsport cemetery, the G.A.R. ritual service being observed at the grave.

--Forget our nations defender?
Never, no never!
Green be their graves,
Treasured their names,
Always, forever."
M.L.K.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 142, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA