The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1906-11-08
IN MEMORY OF STAFFORD |. PARKER

Stafford Isaiah Parker, cOlOrci. was
born at Lakewood. near Port Royal
Va. March II. lSG2, and died AT his
home. Yellow Hill. near Dogue. King
George county. Va. Oct. p, l9uG. His
parents were Stafford and Mary Parker,
who in 1850. while he was quite small
boy. moved to Dogue aud there he was
reared and has wrought ont an honora-
bile career.
He received his education in the public
schools Of King George county and at
Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute,
Petersburg. Va. IN early manhood he
became a teacher in the public schools
and was i'm the midst OF his 22nd session
when he was summoned from labor 10
reward. Fifteen consecutive sessions
were taughtin school No. Z. Yellow Hill.
As "A teacher he always endeavored To do
his fnll duty and conscientiously devot-
cd his best energies to the training OF
those committed to his care. lie not
ONLY discharged his duties faithfully IN
the school-rOom, but wherever he was tie
endeayored 10y word and example to I'M
Dress the young for good. His efforts to
improve the teachers of his county and
his thoroughness. eXactness and care IN
all matters made him an unique charac-
ter. and his wide information and stu
dious habits earned for him the title oi
Professor" among his friends and they
were legion
Mr. Parker was "A charter member oi
Tuion Industrial Academy, its honored
treasurer from its beginning until his
death. and to him much of its wonderful
success is due. One Of his greatest de-
sires was TO see this institution enlarged
and doing greater work.
He was converted at an early age and
loined the Antioch Baptist church, near
Edge Hill. Of which his father was a
faithful deacon and treasurer for l9years
He soon distinguished himself in this
body of Christians for his zeal and piety
and rendered valuable services. At the
time of his death he was a deacon and
the acting clerk Of the church. He was
also chairman OF its building committee,
and president OF Gethsemane Lodge, No.
,. and member OF Salem Lodge, No.
40. l'nited Order OF True keiOrmers,
Welcome, Va.
In December, 1890, he married Miss
Florence +. Turner, also "a teacher OF the
public schools in King George county.
They lived happily together and he was a
true and aiicctiOnate husband and KIND
father. Seven children survive him; the
eldest son, c. h. II. Parker. graduated
from the Normal Department, Union
Indiana Academy, in 1903, and is in his
14th year. The youngest child is two
wears old. Four brothers are left TO
mourn with his numerous friends the
great loss the community has sustained
| in his death: ThOs. II. Parker, OF
Williamsport. Pa; Rev. G. II. Parker, OF
/ Washington, ID. c.; W. A. and NJ. Il.
Parker. of Coatesvile, Pa, the latter an
ex.students OF Hampton and u black
smith by trade, r. ii. and WA. having
followed the teaching profession.
A very beautiful and appropriate set
of resolutions from the faculty OF Union
Industrial Academy were read at his iu-
neral by Miss c. l.. Gray, the principal.
The funeral was held at his home Octo-
her u. and conducted by Rev. l.. ).
Marshall. his pastor. assisted by Rev }.
n A. CYRUS. ID. d., Rev. WOOdson Hick.
erson and Rev. J. p Garland.
Mr.. Parker was held in very higll
esteem by his neighborS, white and
colored, and a great concourse was
present to do honor to his memory.
He was inferred in the family cemetery
TO which he was escorted by Gethsemane
Lode No. ,, and Salem Lodge L. y. l.
II. No. 40. go,
Although he died in the prime OF lie, in
his 4jth year, yet he was proylden'
enough to leave his wife and children III
fair circumstances, as he leaves hand
some home and estate as result OF hls
labors and as an example to others
As a man, a teacher, farmer, Christian
husband, father, neighbor and friend h'
was worthy of imitation.
j. II. A. Cyrus.