The Detroit times., 1908-11-14

I'm that city. In 1861 no engaged In oil
prospecting and refining In the fields
OF Pennsylvania, continuing in that
business until he came to Detroit In
1867. At that time he entered the YES
sci and forwarding business with his
uncle, the late Byron Whitaker. In
1870 he became connected with the
coke shipping trade and formed the
Parker Il Brother company. He was
formerly president Of the Marine Saw
ings bank. and became a director OF
the Dime Savings bank when the two
banks consolidated. He was president
of the White Star line and treasurer or
Parker Brothers company.
Some 10 years ago Mr.. Parker was
stricken with paralysis. but partially
recovered from the effects OF the dis
ease. He travelled considerably and
appeared to be in fairly good health.
He continued his business, but later
Bright's disease and heart failure COM
bined made his condition serious.
although with indomitable courage he
gave his attention to his business In
terests when his physicians declare he
should have been confined to his home.
His strong will power is given by the
physicians as the reason why he did
not take to his bed long before he did,
not quite three weeks ago.
Among his business associates and
friends he was known as q man or the
strictest integrity and business honor.
It was in his home, however, that those
fine traits OF character assert them
selves and made him beloved by every
member of his household, even to the
servants in the humblest capacity.
During his illness. captains who have
sailed for him on the lakes and who
have known him for years. have gone
to his home to have a word with their
former master, and have left the house
in tears when they realized that his
days were numbered.
Besides his wife, to whom he was
married 40 years ago. In IS. Peter and
Pauls cathedral on Jefferson-ave., he
is survived by two brothers. b. W..
Parker, general manager OF the White
Star line. and Harry b. Parker. Of the
Parker Brothers company; a sister
Mrs. A. r. Munger, and an adopted
daughter, Mrs. Nina Zickel. His step
son, Harry f. Dennis, died 13 months
ago, leaving his wife and two chill
dren. Miss Eliza Marie Dennis and
Aaron Parker Dennis.
Mr.. Parker was unusually devoted to
his family. His brothers. sister and
other members were with him con-
stantly. II was little Aaron Dennis.
however, his 12-year-old grandson, who
had been his constant companion for
years, and to whom he affectionately
refers as "Pard" He took the lad
with him wherever he went and the
two were familiar figures on the down
town streets. One day recently, when
the boy came into the room, Mr..
Parker made an effort to talk to him.
but when that failed, he tried to write
a last message TO his little chum, but
the strength had gone out of his arm.
Last Saturday, the lad entertained
the members OF his first communion
class at luncheon and Mr.. Parker had
expressed the wish that he might go
downstairs to see the boys at the
table, but when the time came he was
too weak to make the effort. Each
course, as II was served, was brought
to his bedside that he might see Just
what the youngsters were having. Lit
tie "Pard" is heartbroken over the Ill
ness OF his grandfather.
Some five years ago, when he real
ICED that he was not as well as he
had been In former years. Mr.. Parker
and his brother, b. w. Parker, decided
TO take into the firm those connected
with them and who, they believed. had
done much TO further It's interests, 30
at that time the following were made
members: II. r. Parker, III. K. Dennis,
/. wMGreen. w w. Sumner. w. A. Ed
ridge. w. r. Thompson and Joseph
King.
Up 10 a short time ago, Mr.. Parker
had been a member of the Church OF
Our Father and was a warm personal
friend OF It's pastor. the Rev. Lee g.
McCollester. A few days ago. how
ever. he became a convert to the Cath.
ollie faith.
che Otro11f nalooa In nnVna thora