Fall-Winter 2012

A PARKER FAMILY PUBLICATION

VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2

Connecting with other branches of the Parker Tree

Parker Family Reunion 2012 All One Family

Parker family members gathered this past
September from eight different states in Utah, often referred to as the crossroads of the west. Literally thats what Salt Lake City was for nearly 100 Parker cousins, probably the largest gathering of Parker cousins ever held. family links back to Ireland have not yet been identified, DNA testing has pointed indisputably to Ireland, not to Massachusetts. This Reunion was the first time that cousins Jerry Parker, Bob Smith, and

There was a lot of excitement to finally meet family from all over the Parker Tree, many who had been working together doing family research, but had never met in Jerry Parker, Bob Smith, and Greg Parker at the Parker Family Reunion person. This Reunion differed from all other Parker Reunions held in the past, because it brought together such an accomplished group of Parker researchers with a singular goal: Identify the proper Parker family tree branch that leads to the right forebears. There has been a controversy within the Parker family that the Parker roots grow back through Ireland instead of through Massachusetts, according to early records and long-held family beliefs. Although Greg Parker had met each other. These avid Ireland-Theory researchers represent three different branches of the Parker family tree: Joshua Parker (Jerry), Caleb Parker (Bob), and a distant cousin, Greg Parker whose great grandfather is Thomas Bryant Parker born in 1797. Its not yet known where Greg fits into the Parker Family Tree, although all three are definitely related through their DNA.
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While we are living in the present, we must celebrate life every day, knowing that we are becoming history with every work, every action, every deed.
Mattie Stepanek

IN THIS ISSUE Parker Family Records Family of Faith Edith May Wilbanks Parker Family Artists Photos of Joshua? Joshuas grave marker Martin Parker Clues in Genealogy research Reunion Starts Early Memory book 4 6 7 7 9 9 11 13 14 14

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All One Family continued

Also at the Parker Family Reunion was Diann Wells, a professional genealogist and author, who shared this: When I began studying the ward records of the families and followed up with obituaries, death records, marriage records, and census records, I came to the conclusion the Massachusetts origin was not correct. All the records pointed to the New York, Joshua Parker. Beyond that there was no documentation to prove otherwise. Then five or six years later, Greg Parker from Oklahoma sent me a packet of information concerning DNA testing and the possible connection of the Virginia Parker family to the New York Parker family. Having attended many of the DNA classes at LDS and National Genealogical Conferences, this was not foreign to me. Thurston, my husband, was part of a grand DNA project at BYU that included many Wells lines. It was very helpful in determining who connected where, solving many mysteries. Thank you for the gathering of the Joshua and Drusilla Parker descendants this month (September 2012). I was in the parking lot the first day and a woman asked me if I was Diann Wells. Yes, I am, I replied to Sharon Christensen. We had never personally met. During the dinner I got up to get some napkins off the head table and a man asked if I was Diann Wells. Yes, I am, I said to Robert Smith. Again we had never met. The next day I spoke with Greg Parker. It was good to put faces with those good researchers.

Diann Wells, a descendant of Charles Henry.

Parker Family Records Now A Part of LDS Churchs Vast Collection

a visit to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, where Bob presented the two volumes of books. A thrilled staff member in Publications Donations Department received them (below). June and Suzanne watched and took the photos. For me, Suzanne, this was an amazing moment and tears filled my eyes. The dream of these quality books now available for all the Parker Family was realized. We were informed that the church Robert Smith and the Family History Library Donation Representative Receiving the Books intended to scan and index the books so that they could be made available online for a greater reading audience. Then the hard copy books would be stored in a special archival storage vault for safe keeping. Thus, continuing the hope of preserving Parker Family records and research for future generations being fulfilled.

The L.D.S. Church Family History Library Entrance

All Parker family members at the reunion were hoping to connect with the Parker Family and their roots, but for Robert Smith and Suzanne Hansen the day had a special meaning. That vision reached a pinnacle this September when Robert and June arrived in the Salt Lake Valley after their long drive across the U.S from New Jersey. After years of work, planning, dreaming and lengthy conversations about preserving all the information that Bob had on his computer with other Parker researchers, finally became a reality. The two volume book, Parker Family Records, that was printed and published by Bob in his genealogy room at his home was donated to the LDS library, the most prestigious genealogy library in the world so other Parker Family researchers across the world can take advantage of them. The day after arriving on September 7, Bob and I made

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Parker Family Reunion Class Overviews

Friday,
Parker Family Reunion following dinner, fourteen-year old Jaycee Jensen, a descendant of Daniel Parker opened up the reunion and spoke on, Discovering the Past and Inspiring the future. She shared how hearing the stories of her pioneer ancestors and volunteering at This is the Place Heritage Park helped her to become interested in family history. the first day of the Christmas in 1837. Joshua was impressed with the words of Parley P. Pratt and Elijah Fordham as they preached the Gospel to a small group that had assembled. Joshua was baptized on January 9, 1838 by Elijah Fordham. He then met Wandle Mace who became New York City branch president and Orson Pratt, as well as Orson Hyde. He met David La Baron in Macedonia, IL. These men, their lives and testimony, would impress and be with Joshua for the balance of his life. 2. The importance of following the prophet and Church leaders. Joshua heeded the call by Joseph Smith to go to Nauvoo to help build the Nauvoo Temple. Before the Saints left the city, David Rogers called him to join the 34th quorum of Seventy. Joshua stayed behind in Nauvoo to help complete the temple after the exodus of the saints in early 1846. He stayed behind with Wandle Mace and Orson Hyde until May when the work was finally complete. In 1852 Joshua and his family heeded Brigham Youngs call for all the Saints in Iowa to come to the Salt Lake Valley. It was a difficult decision for Joshua and Drusilla for their daughter Mary Melissa was only 6 weeks old when they left. 3. The importance of Temple work. Joshua and Drusilla received their endowments and were sealed together soon after the completion of the Endowment House on Temple Square in 1855. They later performed proxy baptisms for their family members who had died. In addition their children, Orson, Mary Melissa, and Daniel also performed proxy baptisms after the Logan Temple was completed in 1884. They set a good example for us to follow, knowing the importance of priesthood ordinances in the Lords Plan. 4. Overcoming adversity and challenges. Joshua and Drusilla had to overcome adversity in their lives. His father died when he was only 9 years old. His mother passed away when he was 19. (Drusilla was left an orphan at age 12). He lost his left eye. They encountered the mob persecutions in Nauvoo. He and Drusilla lost two boys before the age of one. They pulled a hand cart 1000 miles across the plains with a young family. They established a home for their family in the desert of Utah. As I think of their lives and compare it to mine, I am grateful for their example and courage to press on and know how blessed we are today.

One of the things that really helped me connect with the past was when my Grandma Suzie (Suzanne Hansen) showed me photos belonging to one of my ancestors. They helped me relate so much more to the fact that they were people who had lived and had feelings that I share, Jaycee said. She then went on to give all in attendance a challenge to discover and share with their children and grandchildren, inspiring the generations to come to appreciate their roots. Jerry Parker was the first to present a class on Saturday, September 8th. He gave us insights into the lives of Joshua and Drusilla Parker that he had discovered while writing their chronology. His chronology or compilation of events and dates were taken from source documents and the discoveries and facts that many family members have shared over the years. Jerry put them all in one place. There are many things Jerry Parker that impressed me as I compiled the book, Jerry said. But these four items had a high impact on me:

Jaycee Jensen

The publication compiled by Jerry Parker, Family of Faith and Courage: Joshua and Drusilla Hartley Parker A Chronology is available on the Parker Family Dropbox, in the Parker filesJoshua folder or by requesting an electronic 1. The importance and value of friends. David copy from Jerry. E-email him at [email protected]. Rogers, another carpenter (chair-maker) who lived A printed copy is also available for $15 including postage. close to Joshua on Varick St. in New York City in 1837, This is a living document, Jerry stated, there will be adinvited Joshua to a meeting to hear the LDS missionar- ditional editions made as more information is discovered. ies after David and his family were baptized before
Class Overviews Continued on Page 4

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Class Overview continued

Robert Smith was the second presenter. He talked about going wider and deeper in our Parker family tree. He focused on Daniel Parker a possible brother to Joshua that married Sarah Rogers, Joshua b.1809s father. It is generally agreed that Joshua Parker - born 1778, my fourth-great grandfather, had a brother named Daniel Parker. However, nothing other than his name was known. Not one cousin that Ive worked with in my family had the slightest bit of information on this Daniel Parker, other than his name. Through Rensselaer County tax records, I subsequently found in state archives in Albany, NY were the names of two other known family members . At first I was only looking for Joshua Parker, but then there appeared both a second Joshua and then a Daniel Parker. Two Parkers were being minimally taxed along with an apparent older Joshua who was taxed more heavily the previous year. Wow, two Joshuas and one Daniel. This was beginning to look better and better.

I next looked at Albany County, New York deeds and saw that the Joshua Parker from Pittstown eventually sold his farm and bought property in Lancingburgh, NY (a Sometime around 2005 my research Troy, NY suburb) and several other on Joshua Parker (Drusilla) turned toinvestment properties in the city of Troy Robert Smith, Parkerwards his elusive father, presumably itself. However, this Joshuas wife was he was also named Joshua Parker. He Family Research Specialist named Mary (in both deeds). Is she a secwas probably born sometime around ond wife? In our family the youngest child born to Joshua, the 1750s or even earlier. To assist in the search for married to Sarah, was also named Mary this great grand parent, I began gathering informaJoshua (the less taxed Parker) was not seen again in Albany tion on all of his siblings, (Daniel, Talmage, Susan, or Rensselaer counties after 1803. (We know our Joshua and Mary). If I were able to find records on, or better married Sarah Rogers in NYC in 1802). However, the still a living descendant of any of them, it could be Joshua Parker (the more heavily taxed one) and Daniel very helpful in the overall research on my Parker were both still found in Troy until 1814. Joshua (the G...Grandfather Joshua that married Susan Rogers. more heavily taxed one) then sold all his property and After reading The Revolutionary War in the Hackenagain disappeared from the Troy area of NY. I never found sack Valley by Adrian Leiby, a book about how the him again, however Daniel relocated across the Hudson war affected the residents in Northern NJ and by exRiver and was owner of a shipyard near the Eire Canal entension the lower Hudson Valley (Cortlandt Manor trance. He lived there until he died in 1867. area), I developed a theory about my oldest Joshua And this was only the beginning of the adventure. I preParker. He and his young family had possibly moved pared a 61 page booklet on Daniels family and the chart to escape from the war zone of the Cortlandt Manor, below showing Daniel and his eight children. Both are in Westchester County area, during the early years of available in the Parker Files folder in the Dropbox. American Revolution. They possibly traveled up the Hudson River, to a small village in upstate New York called Pittstown. Pittstown was, and still is, a rural farming area about fourteen miles east of Troy, NY. The theory was based on the fact that none of my known Joshua Parker family could be found in the first US Census in Westchester County, where he was born. In fact, I was unable to find the Parker family in either the 1790 or 1800 censuses, however, searching all the US censuses from every state available, I was able to find just one Joshua Parker Family that could match my known family. This Pittstown family was almost a perfect match, in age, and quantity of children. I only half-believed in the theory at first. But the more I looked at this family the better it seemed to fit. I expected that the next document I researched or found would be the one to disprove my theory completely. However, instead of disproving it, each new document or find, only strengthened the theory.
Class Overviews Continued on Page 5

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Class Overview continued

Greg Parker was the final presenter on Saturday at the Reunion. He shared his love of DNA research which has become quite a hobby. He said: DNA proves that we are closely related. Then he drew a diagram on the white board showing his family pedigree chart starting with himself then his father Bryron Nelson Parker and then his grandfather Joseph Faulkner Parker born 7 April 1841 in Palymyra, Marion County, Missouri. He married Adelia Cooley 11 June 1889 in Salt Lake City.

Greg Parker

Greg later mentioned to me, My grandfather Joseph Faulkner Parker shook the hand of President Joseph Smith near the doors of the Nauvoo Temple when he was about 3 years old. One of his sisters was born in Nauvoo, Illinois, and his mother moved her children via wagon train to SLC in 1850 after her husband died in Council Bluffs. It was then I started wondering, Since living in such a close proximity, did Joshua and Drusilla know this other Parker family and their common ancestors?

Joseph Faulkner Parker and Family

Finally his father was John Parker. John was born about 1725 in Northern Ireland and He married a Hannah (last name unknown) about 1747. Joseph Faulkner Parker also served an LDS Church Mission in Michigan and in the Midwestern U.S. in the late 1880s. Adelia became the plural wife of Joseph and they became the parents of six children: Malvina, Ada Lavern, Ariel F., Frances Marie, Florence Adelia, and Bryon Nelson Parker, Gregs father. Adelias profession was obstetrics and she was a wellqualified nurse and midwife. At the age of twenty-eight in 1902, she was called by Lydia C. Wells, who was then President of the Joseph Ward Relief Society, to take the class in obstetrics which was sponsored by the General Board of Relief Society. While in her practice she brought nearly one hundred babies into the world.

Byron Nelson Parker family members, we started getting a whole new perspective about other branches in our Parker family tree as we witnessed the tree growing much wider.

As Greg spoke and wrote about

He then went on to talk about his lineage and how it goes back to Ireland. Joseph Faulkners father was Thomas Bryant Parker, born Oct 1, 1797 in Grayson County Virginia married Martha Ann Nelson on 25 Oct 1835 in Palmyra, Marion County, Missouri and then he died on 27 July 1850 in Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa. His father was William Parker who was born 10 April 1748 in Ballyhay, Cork County, Northern Ireland. He immigrated to America and died in Surry County, North Carolina.

Adelia Cooley Parker

Joseph served in the Utah Indian War, and was awarded a medal as a commendation at the 9th Annual Encampment, Sons and Daughters of the Indian War Veterans and Pioneers of Utah. Joseph then moved to Joseph, Sevier County, Utah settling there as a farmer. His wife died 6 Jan, 1908, and Joseph later died and was buried there as well. For more information and more in-depth details on this line go to the Parker family files in the Dropbox where Greg has uploaded the information.

Joseph Faulkner Parker

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Parkers of FaithMormon Missionaries in the Family

by Suzanne Hansen

It appears that the Parker

family has always had religious values and principles in their lives whether it was practicing a faith or marrying in a church. Robert Smith has uncovered that some of those religious roots go wider in the Parker family and especially in the siblings of Joshua Parker and their posterity. Perhaps it was this religious bent and upbringing that drew Joshua to the message of the Mormon missionaries, although none of Joshuas other siblings joined the Church.

age he served in the church organization. There are no writings from his youth that share his thoughts and feelings about his religious intentions or hopes for the future. The first realization that there were Parkers who took their faith seriously enough to serve a mission for the Church were brought to light when Melanie Dewsnup wrote a story about John Thomas Parker that was published in Parker Press, in the Spring 2007 issue.

Joshua also remained steadfast through many trials by Although Fredrick A JOSHUA PARKERS SON AND GRANDSONS fire, adversity, and persecuParker, Joshuas son did Joseph, Lorenzo, Don Parker (Back L to R) tions that came to Joshua Fredrick A, Jr., Fredrick A, Sr., John Thomas (Front L to R) not serve a mission, five and his fellow Mormons. It [Photo Courtesy Of Melanie Dewsnup] of Fredricks sons did: was Joshuas and Drusilla's Lorenzo R Parker, Joseph A. Parker, Don Carlos character and deep conviction that supported them Parker, Fredrick A Parker, Jr. and John Thomas through their travels on the long, dusty trails that Parker. eventually led to the Salt Lake Valley, a place of safely where they could worship according to the dictates of In Parley Parkers family, Jesse Vernon Parker, their hearts. Parleys 8th son was called to serve a mission in HolWhile this nation was founded on the basis of religious freedom, the Mormons did not experience much of it. They even had troubles in the Salt Lake Valley before the Church ceased the practice of polygamy. Thats when Utah was allowed to be admitted into the Union as the 45th state. (1896) As we connect with different parts of Joshuas and Drusillas posterity we discover that not all of their children, as grown adults, shared the same religious convictions of their parents. Some did, others were lukewarm, some not at all. Their 12th child, my own great grandfather, Daniel Parker, did not serve a mission, although at a young

land in 1912 until 1914. Also Orin (Melvin) Parker was called to serve a mission in the Southern States mission in 1927. From Mary Melissa and Joseph Summerhays family, a very large family of 15, all lived to adulthood, and all their sons served missions for the Church. Cal and William ended up serving two missions. Wed love to hear about any others that might have served Missions. They will be added to Parkers of Faith Mormon Missionaries in the Family that when completed will be uploaded in the Parker Family Dropbox. We desire everyone to have access.

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90 Years Young
Edith Wilbanks is still a beauty at almost 90. She is the daughter of Drusilla Parker and John Wilbur Beauvais Edith was born on July 18, 1922, married, and raised a wonderful family. She became a widow in 1998 and has made the best of life. She loves music and played the piano by ear most of her life. Shes always has Edith May Wilbanks been a talented artist and also enjoys drawing. In the 1980s she took up oil painting, and tole painting and greatly enjoyed it. Edith made the trip to Salt Lake City for the Parker Reunion. With her sweet personality, contagious laugh and beautiful smile, she won the hearts of all cousins. She has memories of those by-gone days and of her Parker grandparents. Grandpa Parker (Charles Henry) was a portly person and not very tall. And Grandma Parker (Ida Zackrisson) was a very nice lady. Grandma Ida loved children and was always there for us. She also taught all us kids Swedish but none of us retained it. She was a strong person and always busy. Working on braided rugs, knitted, embroidered, and kept the house spotless. She was a Mormon but loved her coffee and on occasion, a sip of wine and beer. Shed make bread for several friends that would bring in extra money to help out. She did her baking in a wood burning stove and also made Swedish Bread. We called it Cawka bread. [Note: Swedish Christmas bread is called Kaka] She would give it to us kids, hot with fresh butter and current jam, then send us out to play. Grandma had long wavy hair that Drusilla May Parker was salt and pepper color. She curled her little band on her forehead with rag curlers. Even though they had trials, they enjoyed life.

Parker Family Artists

By Suzanne Hansen
He served in the Navy during World War II and later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Utah. While studying at the U, Frank worked as a medical illustrator, often standing in the operating room drawing the steps of the surgical procedures as they were happening. Frank's mentors were a well known Utah artists Le Conte Stewart and Alvin Gittens. Frank taught art at several public schools: Orem High School, and then the Junior high school level at Granite Park and Glendale Junior High schools.

Alice, Charles Henry, Drusilla, Ida, Sylvia (Front left to right) Leo, Charles Leroy (Roy), Theo (Back)
Recently another artist n the Parker family have been discovered, Frank Erickson Jr., he is descending from the Charles Henry Parker family (above). This grandson of Charles Henry was born Dec. 29, 1922, in Salt Lake City to Frank W. Erickson and Sylvia Parker Erickson.

Frank Erickson Jr. Continued on Page 8

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Parker Family Artists continued

Frank Erickson, Jr. taught private lessons for over 30 years in the studio behind his home where he inspired others to develop their own artist skills. Uncle Bud as he was known for his a great sense of honor that seemed to show up in his creative hand made greeting cards for his family. These fun cards were collected over the years by Howard Erickson and are still treasured (at right) Not too many people got these cards. Each card was unique and different and designed with the personality of the person he was giving them to in mind. Life took and unexpected twist when Frank was faced with some heart issues. Sadly enough after undergoing heart surgery three times, and receiving one of the first successful artificial heart valves, Bud's doctor insisted he quit Utah and the intermountain west, and was the recipient of many national and international awards for his work. In 1981, he wrote and published, The Lexicon of Color Mixing: An artists guide to oil painting using Triad Color Combinations. Eventually succumbing to his heart problems he fought most of his life, Frank Erickson passed away on November 16th, 1989 at the young age of 66. He was survived by his wife Gloria, and his three children Frank, Steven, and Gaye; all of whom are excellent artists in their own right. Uncle Buds legacy still lives on through his amazing artwork that still inspires and lifts others. A master of color theory, Bud created any color he needed with only the col-

teaching in public schools, and that was when he created the Phranque's Gallery of Fine Art, which he and his wife Gloria opened in Holladay, Utah. Frank was the instructor of many of the finest artists in

ors red, yellow, blue, and white on his pallet. I was thrilled to discover there are several other artists in Charles Henrys family. Well spotlight them in an upcoming newsletter.

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Joshua ?
I heard from Keith Parker that his younger sister Elaine had a photo of Joshua or his father. I contacted her and she sent me the photo. (below left) She explained, My Father, Don Carlos Parker, gave this picture to me when I was a teenager to put in my Book of Remembrance. I don't know who had the original copy or where they obtained their copy. I imagine it came from his Father, Fredrick A. Parkers files. I received the pictures (all of 1x1) of my three generation line. Grandfather, Fredrick A. Parker and wife Mary Thomas, Great Grandfather, Joshua Parker(1809) and wife Drusilla D. Hartley. Great Great Grandfather Joshua Parker (no wife picture). I never thought much about the picture (Left hand side) until the questions started to come up about who and what was our true Parker line. Upon reviewing the picture,

By Suzanne Hansen
we know it couldn't be Joshuas father, if it was a photo, as photography wasn't widely available until about the early 1860s. It looks more like a print from a charcoal, which it could be. Both men resemble each otherwhite hair and beards, but Joshua b.1809 (Below right) only had one eye. If not a likeness of Joshua b.1778, that is Joshua 1809s father, perhaps it could be a brothersame style of clothing, white hair, white beard, maybe in his 50s. We do have photos of Caleb and Benjamin and it isn't them. Perhaps this could be an older brother (Moses or Aaron)? Keith said, It is definitely a Parker. My Father, who died in 1973, resembles the picture. It would be interesting to see if anyone can identify who this truly is? Contact us at Parker Press if youve seen this picture before or if you recognize him.

Joshua and Drusilla Parker Headstones

At the Parker Reunion in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2004, Cecil Parker told me of a beautiful rock, that would be carved to become a headstone. But the story goes back even further as I discovered when talking to a Parker cousin I hadnt met before, Howard Erickson, a descendent of Charles H. Parker. First, let me share my first experience with family headstones that was on Memorial Day in 2000. I went with my parents to all the family headstones in three different cemeteries and it took most of the day. hold them up. They talked about Joshua and Drusilla Parker not having headstones. I couldnt imagine why they hadnt had one. Here is what Howard Erickson shared going back long before my experience. I felt better knowing they had once had headstones and an explanation of what happened to them. I recalled about 1938 I had gone to the cemetery with my grandmother Ida Fredricka Zackrisson Parker. We walked down to see Joshua and Drusillas graves, and there were two very weathered wooden headstones with their names and dates on them. I distinctly remembered them. They each stood about three feet tall Howard & Adel Erickson with a simple rounded top. Each stood in a sandstone base about 20" long and 6" to 7" wide. I clearly remember the Continued on Page 10

My mother seemed concerned that I know where they all were, I watched as they both had such a feeling of love and respect for each grave, and Dad took a trimmer to complete the finishing touches. Flowers were placed with thick wire to

A Replica Of What Joshuas Headstone Might Have Looked Lke

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Headstones

continued

sandstone base Although by 1945 the wood markers were already gone and only the bases remained. The bases had grooves running down the middle about 1" wide and 18" long where the wood had been set in the stone. I have memories of going up the old wooden stairs to my grandmothers attic, and looking around. The floor was 1 by 2 flat boards and there was nothing up there except an old trunk. I was curious and went over to it and popped open the lid and there was all kind of photos and papers inside I didnt have an appreciation for what was in that truck like I would have now. But that memory still holds great fondness for me. When my grandmother died. Roy (Charles Leroy Parker) and Drusilla (Drusilla May Craddock) had passed away so it was up to aunt Alice (Alice Morris) to take care of things and she seemed to have no regard for old pictures or papers. She rushed through things and threw the trunk and its contents away before I got there. They were gone, but the impression stuck in my head all these years. Through the years I had always thought that I would like to put a new headstone on Joshua and Drusilla grave and was pleased when I heard that it had finally been done. Many of Joshuas and Drusillas descendants had similar thoughts about honoring them by making sure that a new headstone or some kind of a marker was placed on the graves. But for many years nothing was done. Then around 1994 one of Parleys descendants, Hugh Parker who was the son of Melvin Parker traveled from Rexburg Idaho where he was living to visit the Salt Lake City Cemetery and noticed there were no headstones for Joshua and Drusilla Parker. His strong desire to make sure they had one, finally made it happen.

Entrance Gate of Salt Lake City Cemetery

front lawn for 10 years. Finally I decided it was time for my great grandparents to have a new headstone. So I discussed it with my Cousin Cecil and others to get the right information to be engraved and we moved ahead. The stone turned out to be large enough to get all their children placed on the back side and in all costing $500.00. When some of other Parkers heard about it, they gave contributions to help, and once completed, I hauled it to Salt Lake City to the city cemetery. And then came the challenge of finding the right spot. It took us a while to locate the exact gave plot and finally we dug down into the dirt about 3 inches and found the original sandstones that held the original markers for Joshua and Drusilla and placed the stone on them. When discussing the plans for installing the new headstone, the City Cemetery told me, We charge a fee of $100.00 to allow you to personally put down a cement base on the site to fasten the stone. I was surprised to hear that because I was going to haul the cement with my sons and put it down in the City Cemetery, wed be doing the labor so at the time we didnt do it. Photos of the new headstone for Joshua and Drusilla Parker have flooded the internet as family members now had something to mark their final resting place, but for Hugh the job still needed finishing. While contacting Hugh, for the Parker Family Reunion in the summer of 2012, he reported, I finally made arrangements to have the headstone anchored with cement. For some reason it s never happened so I hope to get that completed this year. In September 2012, as many Parker descendants, continued on Page 13

Hugh and Evva Parker

When I asked him how that came about Hugh said, Well I was up in the Sawtooth mountains which is in a range of mountains in the Idaho wilderness near Meadow Lake, and was enjoying all the beauty I was surrounded by. My eyes caught view of a large oblong white like boulder and the thought came that I would like that for my headstone someday. So I hauled it home. It sat on my

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Martin Parker - Follow-up Story

At the conclusion of the Parker reunion in 2012, June and I traveled south on Utah I-15. This trip was always in my mind, even before we left New Jersey for the reunion in Utah. I wanted to drive south on I-15 for two reasons. First: in 1965 when I was on 30 days leave from my Navy ship in Long Beach I had traveled up and back on Route 15 and wanted to try to find a piece of that old road today. Second: Interstate I-15 goes very near both Scipio and Holden. This was the genealogy part of the trip, to try to find more information on Martin Parker. Martin died in Holden and his wife Mary Robins was from Scipio. Jeff and Annie Sanders had previously found a headstone marked "Mark Parker" in the Holden Cemetery. However, this photo had a washed out look. I wanted to get a better picture and if possible more information about this grave to be sure it belonged to Martin. I felt there must be more information somewhere in the Holden-Scipio area of Utah.

by Robert Smith

those streets is perpendicular to Old Highway 15 It was marked Cemetery Road. We followed that road and ended up at Holden Cemetery. This cemetery is well-maintained, plenty of manicured green grass and the gravestones, as can be seen in the photo below, were in great shape.

Holden Town Cemetery

By the time we got to the Cemetery the sun was setting. I took a new photo of the Mark Parker gravestone. (Below)

Main Street (Old Utah 15) Going Through Downtown Holden

Yeah, I found that section of old Route 15. (Above) In 1965 I drove right thru the center of Holden on it, (today it is called Main Street). Interstate I-15, is a mile away and is the bypass that goes around Scipio and Holden, small world! It was fairly easy to locate the Holden Cemetery. Holden is very small, only a half a dozen streets. One of

Martin Parker - Block 176, Lot#4, Grave #7

We then left for the Paradise Inn. A room that we had already booked for the night, a few miles down the road, in Fillmore. Fillmore is the County seat of Millard County. The next morning after breakfast we stopped in the County Court House (hall of records) where county land records are kept. I looked for Parker deeds. No land records with Martins name on them were found. While in the Fillmore courthouse the clerk helping me asked what prompted my search. I told her of Martin and the exploding cannon.

Holden Cemetery Entrance

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Martin Parker

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Robins in the cemetery he asked if I had checked the old pioneer cemetery. Pioneer cemetery? I asked. Yes, I have a complete listing in the back room, he said, as he disappeared behind a curtain covering a doorway in the back wall of the store. About a minute later he returned with a notebook. In in was exactly what I was looking for. He gave us directions and a copy of a map of the Pioneer Cemetery. We did find the old Pioneer Cemetery. For all the details on the Scipio stop and the Pioneer Cemetery we visited complete with photos and a copy of the Pioneer Cemetery map, go to the Parker Files in the Dropbox. (By the time you read this, all the Martin Parker Followup story should be uploaded there.) We finally hit the road heading east on I-70 towards Colorado and our next genealogy stop. Ouray, Colorado. The next day we were in Ouray. We went to the courthouse (for deeds), the town hall (for marriages), and the Ouray Library. For those not familiar with Ouray, it is a

She had never heard the story, but said that a former mayor of Holden was in the front office that very morning and she went to get him. I introduced myself but he too had never heard the story. Then he asked me if I had been to the Post Office? Post office? I said in an inquisitive tone. Well, that is where the cemetery records are kept, he stated. They are in the Post Offices safe.

US Post Office Holden, Utah

So after we finished looking at deeds in Fillmore it was back to Holden. I entered the Holden P.O. There was only one person working there. When I mentioned the cemetery book, she went to the safe and pulled it out. There it was, the record I needed on Martin. I now had the proof and there was no doubt this was Martins grave. (See the Dropbox Parker Files folder for details and a copy of the document that was found there.) After leaving Holden we headed back up I-15 to Scipio, UT. In addition to getting some good genealogy time in Scipio this is also where I- 70 begins and that is the road we were going to travel to get to Colorado. Scipio was where Mary Robins came from before marrying Martin Parker and eventually moving to Holden. After Martins untimely death and funeral, a pregnant Mary Parker and two children under eight years old returned to Scipio where Thomas Martin Parker was born. It is assumed she lived with her parents in Scipio. There is a cemetery in Scipio, but I was unable to find Robins buried there. We stopped at an Antique store in Scipio (June and I both enjoy antiquing). We didnt plan on making any stops to shop for antiques on our trip west, but for some reason we made this one. While June was shopping I was making small talk the shop owner. When I lamented about not finding any

Ouray Colorado
mining town in Colorado that Mary Agnes Leonora [Robins] (Parker) (Eaton) Burke ended up in after she and her son, Joseph Sinclair Eaton left John Eaton in New Mexico. Martins complete story is already in the Dropbox in the Parker Files folder. Look for the updated Ouray complete with more photos.

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Watching Clues In Genealogy Research

Melanie Dewsnup has always had a passion for climbing her family tree, and with a young family shes always excited when she gets a chance to do some research. She suggested five clues to watch for. There are many sources where clues can be found and Melanie submitted the following idea that she ran across. In the Family History Monthly January 2012 the following idea was shared suggesting that if we look very closely at public records there are Five Hidden Stories a Birth Certificate Can Tell. It was interesting to discover in Utah, no governmental agencies were required by law to record births prior to 1898. Though not required to do so, Salt Lake City and Ogden began registering births in 1890 and Park City began registering births in 1892 1. Time of Birth Birth certificates usually include just the day and month of birth, but if the time is also given, this could indicate a multiple birth. In this case, the time of birth would have been important for legal reasons, for example which twin would one day be first in line to inherit family property. 2. Absent Name Occasionally the name column has been left blank. In some cases names were added later, and recorded in the Name entered after registration, but sadly, this often means that the child died before it could be baptized. 3. Fathers name Even if a birth certificate bears a fathers name, the child could still be illegitimate. Mothers were legally allowed to record the name of their childs father on

By Melanie Dewsnup

the birth certificate, even if the father was not present to confirm this. But after the 1874 Births and Death Registration Act, fathers had to be present at registration for their name to appear. 4. Informant Dont forget to check who registered the birth, as certificates include additional information about thema potential extra branch of your family tree. 5. Married Names The mothers maiden name is usually given, but in some cases mothers had been married before, and so their former and current married names will also be listed.

Headstones

continued from Page 10

traveled long distances, visited the cemetery, they saw a completed stone, giving them a deep sense of connection with our Parker heritage. I remember the quote by an unknown author "Like

branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one."
Robert Smith mentioned after viewing the gave that the cemetery looked much different than he imagined. He was glad he able to see it in person. On behalf of all of Joshua and Drusilla's descendants, we thank Hugh Parker for his vision and tremendous efforts to restore the grave site of our pioneer forebears. This brings to mind another quote: Gone But Not Forgotten.

Robert & June, Michael & Suzanne Viewing The New Grave Stone Of Joshua And Drusilla Parker In Salt Lake Cemetery

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The Reunion Begins Early

It was Sunday, September 4, 2012, I was on the Interstate (I-80). June and I had already crossed New Jersey, we were in western Pennsylvania when I saw a sign at an exit, for Mercer, PA. I remarked to June, Thats the town that Drusilla Hartley was born in. We soon crossed into Ohio staying in Wooster, Ohio the first night. The next day we crossed Ohio and Indiana and into Illinoisthe gas was $4.29 a gallon so we pushed on till we crossed the Iowa line. We stayed in Davenport. It just happened that wed be very near Ankeny, Iowa by noon the next day. That is where Debbie Hadden lives. She is the daughter of Barbara Gibby, a descendant of Charles Henry Parker. I called her and made arrangements to have lunch together. We had never met, but have been E-mailing and collaborating on Genealogy since 2001. Debbie and several of her sons met June & I for lunch at a Chilis Restaurant, We had a great hour together. I gave her copies of the handouts I planned to use at the reunion and most of the hour was spent on Genealogy. So, for me the Parker Reunion began several days earlier than for everyone else. We were soon on the road again.

By Robert Smith

Matthew, Christopher, Debbie Hadden, Robert Smith (L to R) Tanner (in front)

The next day we were in Wyoming and following the Mormon Trail, part of the way. We were at 9000 feet elevationthere were rugged mountains all around. I don't see how Joshua and Drusilla made this trip pulling a hand cart with small children in tow? It doesn't seem Possible!! On Thursday we came out of those mountains and saw our destination, Salt Lake City. We arrived about 3 pm Let The Reunion Begin!.

Reunion Memory Book

Chris Marsh was one of the attendees at the Parker reunion, she said, I was delighted to meet all of the cousins at the at the reunion. I felt instantly bonded to those whom we met there. What a great blessing it was to learn more about family. My sister and I loved every minute we were able to be there. Thank you. I think everyone felt the same! A Parker Reunion Memory Book was produced and sent to those that ordered one. It included a group photo by Robert Perry. Along with a directory of those who attended ,which included Eight lines of Parker descendants, and a photo overview of the events and activities enjoyed at this years reunion. A special thanks to Michael Hansen, my husband, for his support with the reunion and this publication. And to Robert Smith for his generous support in assisting with the printing and binding of the booklet. It was a labor of love, and we truly hope that the contents and photos will be enjoyed by all for years to come.

By Suzanne Hansen

If you ordered a memory book and didnt receive it or would like to know more information about the book please contact, Suzanne Hansen. A PDF copy of the Parker Reunion Photo Memory Book will soon be available to all. Look for it in the Parker Family Dropbox in the folder Parker Files titled: Parker Reunion Photo Memory Book 2012

Suzanne Hansen, Editor 2397 Palmetto Drive Taylorsville, Utah 84129 [email protected]

Parker Press