Margaret Roberts Parker 1833-1893

ROBERTS, PARKER, RYLAND

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/21/2014 at 18:48:14

Mrs. Margaret A. Parker, nee Roberts, was born at Manchester, Indiana, Nov. 20, 1833, came with her parents to Ft. Madison in '42, removed to Vernon in '52, at which place she became a member of the M. E. church.

She ended her life work in Bonaparte, March 28, '93. Was married to Sidney Parker, Nov. 12, '58, and this union was blest by four children, three of whom are living, Walter S. Parker, Prairie City, Iowa, Mrs. Minnie Ryland and Miss Sarah Georgia Parker. Bruce the second son lies sleeping in the Bonaparte cemetery, by whose side she was placed to await a happy resurrection when the righteous shall meet their God. In '66 the family removed from Vernon to Bonaparte and soon after Mrs. Parker united by letter with the M. E. church of which she was a consistent member at the time of her death. Being a resident of this place for twenty-seven years, in that time she had won the esteem of the people generally, that her death caused sorrow in all households.

The funeral services took place at the residence, Wednesday afternoon, March 30, 1893, Rev. P. Read, pastor of the Presbyterian church officiating. He preached an effective sermon from Cor. 4:18, and 5:1. The choir sang several appropriate pieces.

The house was filled with friends who knew "Aunt Maggie" for many years, and who loved and esteemed her for her unassuming, lady-like ways, and as they gazed upon her beloved form for the last time on earth the tear was seen to gather in many eyes, as swiftly the memories of the past welled up. The following beautiful tributes were presented:

A "Broken wreath," by W. T. Dick, Miss Joe Kennedy and Mrs. L. Y. Cass. A wreath of Easter lilies and hyacinths, Prairie City Friends. An anchor and a star, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Jones. A beautiful cross, pupils of the Grammar room. Handsome boquet, Mrs. C. Troutman, Mrs. Cad Ryland and Miss Sadie Lumb.

The family's sincere thanks are returned to the many friends who so kindly assisted in the sad bereavement.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA