The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-06-23
OBITUARY.

Jacob Parker was born in Murfrees-
boro, n. c., on the 10th day OF April,
1922, and died in Warrenton. n. G., on
the 10 day of June, 1901.
On February list, 1S49, ne was united
in marriage to Miss Sally Anne Averitt,
of Florida, who lived only short while.
Several years after her death, he moved
to Warren county where, on Nov, 2lst.,
1855, he was married to Miss Bette
Kinchen Kearney, with whom he lived
long and happily until a few months ago
when God in His wisdom called her
away. 9G
Almost Immediately after coming to
this county, Mr.. Parker entered into
active business, and in a few years be-
came one of the leading merchants OF
this place. He was a thorough business
man, and his opinion carried more
weight, probably, than that of any other
man in the county. His business con-
tinued to prosper until the Civil war
came on. When the war closed, ne found
that the accumulated property CT the
best years of his life had been swept
away, but he spent no time in idle
grieving for the past. He arose to graz
pie the present with its new condition OF
things. and face the future with its
clouds of doubt Under surrounding cir
cumstances such as these, he began lire
practically anew, and for the second
time built up successful business. Be-
tween the years 1885 and 1890 he met
with serious financial reverses and mis-
fortunes which again swept his property
away Again this unconquered old man,
bearing the weight of three score years,
entered the struggle for success. He
still had the vigor of mind, but he lacked
the strength of body to recuperate his
fortunes.
In the last few years of his life, when
no longer harassed by business cares,
the soft and gentle traits of his charac-
ter were especially noticeable, and
when he died there AYas no man in War
rem county more generally beloved.
never knew a man who was more grieved
when adversely came to his friends, or
more delighted when prosperity smiled
upon them; whose counsel could with
more safety be followed in days of
doubt, or whose help could be more GER
tainly relied on in times of trouble
He was one of the best read men it
has ever been my good fortune to know
especially in history, both sacred and
profane He was much more than
Bible reader; he was Bible student. 1t
cannot be claimed for him that he was
entirely orthodox, for he was not, but
There lives more faith in honest doubt,
Believe me. than in half the creeds.
He was not disturbed by the knots
that tangle human creeds,' but was a
broad, liberal minded man in every
way. He did his own thinking, and
accorded the same right to every other
man. He believed that there were good
men in all denominations, but he had
absolutely no patience with hypocrites
in any.
In his home, he was courtesy, gentle
ness and love itself. To mourn his loss,
he leaves one son, Mr.. w. G.. Y. Parker,
of New York City, and four daughters,
Mrs. B. w. Ballard, of Franklinton.
N. c., and Misses Nena, Bette and
Maria Parker, of this place.
The funeral services were conducted in
the Baptist church, of which the deceased
was a member, by Rev. T. j. Taylor,
pastor of shat church, and Rev B. S.
Bronson, of the Episcopal church. On
the 18th day of June 1901, just as the
light of the setting sun was fading from
the sky. and the shadows were to
deeper darkness turning, he was laid to
rest in Fairview Cemetery, there to re-
main until he shall rise again at the
voice of Him who said, 4 am the Resur-
rection and the Life"
TAsKER POLK.
Warrenton, NJ c. June II '01.