I know that we hear that you really need to research all the Friends, Associates and Neighbours (FANs)* of a person, especially if they are your brick wall.
I have one Richard PARKER, whose death eluded me. He was a tailor, but became a Wesleyan Preacher. I had only recently ‘finally’ found the death of his second wife (and my ancestor), Bridget (nee RICHARDS), but PARKER is a very common name in Herefordshire, and it really was annoying that I couldn’t pin down his death. When I found Bridget’s death in 1887, it said she was a widow.
So, using “Family Historian” (my software) hints, and the fact that FindMyPast had free access for the Remembrance Day weekend, I started working through the family. I started with Richard and Bridget. All their hints were those which I had found the details before, so I ticked ‘confirmed’. I then moved on to their children, Elizabeth (my ancestor), George and Jane. Once again, nothing new of note. Next I moved back in time to the 2 daughters of Richard’s first marriage, to Susan WORMINGTON. The first daughter, Mary Ann, had married James MILNE in New York. The MyHeritage hint for them gave me a copy of their Marriage Certificate (1), which I had not had before.
Hold on a minute…they were married by ‘her’ father, Richard! He was in New York in 1869! Wow! I was pretty sure he had died before 1871 as I couldn’t find him in the 1871 census. What if he had died in the United States? So, I did a search in MyHeritage, and BINGO I found his obituary(2) in OldNews.com. He died 29 March in 1877 in New York. He had performed a marriage ceremony only the day before, but was intending shortly to return to England to his family.
Mar 29 1877 • Port Chester, Westchester, New York, United States
Rye.
CHRIST CHURCH
The sudden death of Rev Richard Parker cast a gloom over this community where he is so well known. At the Presbyterian and Methodist churches, and at Union Chapel, it was feelingly alluded to. At the close of the chapel service, Mr Mathews gave an impressive account of his last illness and a tribute to his faithfulness and zeal in the Master's work. Mr Parker conducted the opening services in Union Chapel under its present management and his (l)abors were very successful.
Harrison.
DEATH OF REV. RICHARD PARKER.
This gentleman, who was pretty well known to the towns of Harrison and Rye, died at his residence in New York on Thursday morning Iast in his 71st year. Mr Parker was a native of England, and expected to return to the home of his youth to spend the remainder of his days in a couple of weeks, but "man proposes and God disposes."
The deceased was emphatically a man of work, and thousands of sick and dying beds have been brightened by his presence often in the depth of winter and at the midnight hour. These were simply Iabors of love and mercy for which the reward was alone in his own breast. His ministerial life in New York was chiefly with the City Missions, though he has occupied some of the best pulpits in that city, preaching three times on the Sabbath when the stated pastors were off enjoying the balmy breezes of the country or the cool, refreshing air of the seaside. It was Mr. Parker's wish and delight to be ever in the Master's service, and he emphatically knew no rest till he heard the voice- "It Is enough come up higher." He died with harness on. His first sermons in Harrison were preached in the Memorial Chapel. " He also preached In White Plains, Mamaroneck and Rye, his more recent labors being in the " Union Chapel " of Rye. He was, indeed, announce to preach there on Sunday evening last, but he came not - the winding sheet of death held him fast! On the morning of Sunday, 18th, Mr. Parker started from his city home for church, but returned feeling unwell. On Wednesday he united a couple in matrimony as he lay upon his sick bed, and on Thursday he died, calm and peaceful, without uttering a single word. But he was not unprepared!
The funeral services were held from the Seventh Avenue M. E. Church on Monday afternoon, several ministers taking part in the same. The body is to remain unburied, awaiting the arrival of his son, who left England on Saturday for New York. Mr. Parker leaves a widow, a most estimable lady of perhaps 70; also two daughters and the son alluded to above. In the language of the bereaved widow, Mr. Parker was worn out. There was nothing for disease to feed upon, his labors were o'er and he has gone to his reward.
MEMORIAL CHAPEL
Another brother alluded appropriately to the unexpected death of Rev Dr Parker and his life - long service in the cause of Christ.
Here are the details from Bridget PARKER's Death Registration(3):
8 May 1887 at 2 Sackville Cottages, Hay
Bridget Parker, female, 83 years, widow of Richard Parker Wesleyan Minister
Cause of death - Cerebral Haemorrhage, coma, certified by Robt J Shepperd LRCS
Informant - George Parker, son, 10 Clifton Street, Wolverhampton
(1) New York City Marriages, 1866-1949, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-20807-1673655/james-milne-and-mary-anne-parker-born-rorker-in-new-york-city-marriages, James Milne to Mary Anne Parker, Nov 2 1869, Manhattan, New York, United States, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-20807-1673655/james-milne-and-mary-anne-parker-born-rorker-in-new-york-city-marriages, viewed 8 Nov 2024
(2) My Heritage, United States Obituary Index from OldNews.com™, Port Chester Journal, Port Chester Journal, https://www.myheritage.com/research/record-12003-50208506/richard-parker-in-united-states-obituary-index-from-oldnewscom, viewed 8 Nov 2024
(3) England & Wales General Register Office, GRO Online Index - Death (https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content : accessed 8 November 2024) database entry for Parker, Bridget. Age: 83, GRO Reference: Q2 1887 in Hay, Volume 11B, Page 99.
