Civil War Records of Charles W. Parker

 

Obituary for Charles W. Parker

Concord Enterprise, October 11, 1889

newspaper clipping

     

A Brave and Faithful Soldier
And a prominent member of the Grand Army

    The following notice prepared for our last weeks’ edition was accidentally omitted:           
     Mr. Chas. W. Parker of West Acton, for the last three years Messenger of the Massachusetts Senate, died at his home in West Acton, at 5 o’clock Monday morning, Sept. 30, of consumption, a disease from which he had suffered for many years, and which was doubtless due to the weakening of his constitution by his terrible experience as a prisoner for six months at Andersonville, almost thirty years ago. Mr. Parker was a native of New York State, and was about 52 years old. During the war he served in the 16th Connecticut Regiment, as a Sergeant, and was a brave and faithful soldier. He came to Acton about twenty-five years ago, and has since resided there, excepting for a period of nearly two years which he spend in Colorado for the benefit of his health.
     In the year 1885 he represented his district in the General Court, and has since that time been Messenger of the Senate. As an old soldier he was greatly interested in the Grant Army of the Republic, and was the first Commander of Isaac Davis Post. He was also a member of Doric Lodge F. & A.M. of Hudson.
     Mr. Parker was a widower, and leaves no family but an adopted daughter about 9 years old.
     The funeral services were held at the Baptist church Thursday afternoon, Oct. 3d. The pastor, Rev. F.A. Heath was assisted by Rev. Mr. Brewer of Maynard, each of whom made very fervent and interesting remarks eulogistic of the dead and comforting to the friends. A Quartette composed of the Messrs. D.H. and E.H. Hall, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. C.B. Sandus, sweetly rendered the chant, “Rest Weary heart,” also the hymns “He giveth his beloved sleep” and “Some sweet day.” There was a large attendance of the Sergeant-at-Arm’s Department from the State House, among whom were J.G.B. Adams, Sergeant-at-arms, General Kimball and Major Bond of Fitchburg, S.W. Edgell, Doorkeeper, a one-armed veteran and a warm friend of the deceased. There were also some thirty or more members of Doric Lodge, F. & A.M. of Hudson and the G.A.R. Post 138, which acted as guard of honor and performed escort duty. Both organizations performed their beautiful and impressive ritualistic service at the grave. The floral tributes were beautiful and abundant, consisting of a pillow from Doric Lodge, a flag from G.A.R. Post, a shield from W.R.C., a cluster of fifty roses from Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Warren of St. Joseph, Mo., a crescent from Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Wheeler, Memphis, Tenu., scroll with coat of arms from Sergeant-at-Arms Department, State brothers and sisters with the word “Brother.” The interment was at Mt. Hope cemetery beside his loved companion, who died about two years ago. And so passed from our midst one who will long be remembered and missed for the many sterling qualities of character that makes up the true man.