The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1902-08-15
OBlT UARY.

The subject of this sketch. James
Morrison Parker, was born near Mans
field O.. Oct. %, and died. Aug. 10,
1902. near Mitchell, S. d. His father
was of Dutch origin, his mother be-
ing Scotch. At the age of nine
years he was left an orphan and from
that time on he was subject to many
hardshipS.
He drifted from place to place and
finally became a laborer on a flatboat,
trafficing upon the Ohio river.
After a few years he was induced
by a farmer to leave the river and be-
come a farm hand. Here he was
kindly dealt with and after being in
the employ of this mar for three
years he was induced to enter school
at Oberlin, Ohio. Here he was
brought in contact with a good ele-
ment and given an opportunity to
develop his better inclinations and
after three years had qualified him
self for the profession of a country
school teacher. He followed this
profession for many years.
On April 30, 1850. he was united in
marriage to Miss Julyann Perry.
Their union was distinguished by
difficulties common to pioneer life
+and yet their highest source of joy
! lay i'm developing their forest home
with anticipations Of spending their
old age in more quietude. To their
union was added seven children, four
girls and three boys. The wife and
six children. three boys and three
girls, survive the deceased.
He early was an attendant OF the
CONGREGATIONAL church., but through
marriage was united to the Roman
q Catholic church. For reasons pecu-
liar to his surroundings he waned
from church duties but died in the
faith of the Lord Jesus Christ as
zthe Savior Of mankind.
In 1890 the deceased with wife and
two Youngest sons migrated to this
state where he homesteaded a quar-
ter section of land and Immediately
set about to %deyelope the same.
With the help of his former years and
his ons he surrounded himself by
the conveniences usual to prairie life
and was fast developing his prairie
home. He was a mar OF good habits
and integrity and conscientious in
his dealings with mankind. Like many
he wa not infallible but his mistakes
were of the head not of the heart.
Having served three years, nine
months in the war of the great re-
oellion. he always bore his difficult
les with the spirit of a true soldier
and ever in his last hours bore his
Sufferings bravely and without muir
mur. The best medical skill obtain
= able was secured but he had lived his
allotted time and must succumb
o the grave messenger death.
The immediate cause of his death
Vas Bright's disease. He was con-
cious to the within a very few hours
f his departure and expressed but
n regret to die. viz to leave mother.
as he always addressed his wife.
His last words to his eldest and
youngest sons. who were present at
the time of his death, were an ad.
monisbmant to take good care Of
mother. His youngest son was the
staff o. his declining years. living
with him on the farm. His eldest
son is a travelling salesman, the two
administering to the comfort Of
their aged father in his last hours.
One daughter from Ohio reached
here too late to see her father before
death but was present at the sat
rites. Funeral services were held il
the Congregational church, Rev. Tom
ain officiating after which the re
mains were inferred in Mitchell
cemetery by appropriate services con
Quoted by the G. A. R. of which tn
deceased was a member.