Thomas Jefferson Parker, the son of Johnathon and Miranda Parker, was born in Crawford County, Illinois six miles Northwest of Russellville on the O'Rill farm on June 21, A.D. 1862, and passed away in Honey Creek Township, Crawford County, at 5:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 10, A. D. 1939, aged 77 years, 3 months, and 19 days.
He was united in marriage on March 21, 1882 to Lucretia Lincoln Conrad by Rev. Jacob Sheets of the United Brethern Church at new Hebron. To this union were born ten children, six boys and four girls, namely, Beulah, now Mrs. Orley Cornwell of Chetopa, Kansas; Martha E., now Mrs. Granville Byer of Lapel, Ind.; Elizabeth Parker Groves, now deceased; and two sons, who died in infancy, Charles Parker, now deceased; Clifford Parker of Robinson; Stephen Parker, now deceased; Roscoe Parker of Casper, Wyo.; Geraldine Parker, now deceased. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucretia Conrad Parker, on March 22, 1920, and by one half-brother and two sisters.
He leaves surviving him to mourn their sad loss, four children, seventeen grandchildren, one brother, William Parker of White Cloud, Michigan, and one half-brother, Ben Parker of Chicago.
Thomas Jefferson Parker, familiarly known by relatives and friends as "T. J." Parker, lived all his life in this Crawford County, and for many years had been a member of the United Brethern Church. For many years, Mr. Parker farmed for Dr. A. G. Meserveand and his father, both now deceased. He was a resident of Montgomery, Robinson, and Honey Creek Townships, all in Crawford County, and for many years was janitor of the Court House in Robinson.
Mr. Parker was always in good humor and looked on the good of life. He was never discouraged and enjoyed life to the fullest extent and by so doing, made many friends, who will miss his pleasant smile and greeting of cheer. He liked to talke to people and probably knew more residents of our county than any other individual.
Mr. Parker seemed to enjoy very good health until about five weeks ago, when he became affliced with complications, due to his advanced age, and for five weeks lay ill at the home of his son, Clifford Parker in honey Creek township. All through this, his last illness, Mr. Parker was very cheerful and discussed death without fear, repeatedly stating that he wanted to be with his wife and the mother of his children, and finally went to sleep and passed away with a serene smile on his face.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank all the neighbors, friends, and relatives for their kindness shown to us during the sickness and death of our beloved father, Thomas Jefferson Parker; also for the beautiful floral offering.
The Family.