Theron P. Parker was born in Cornwall, Vermont, on the 24th of August 1800. He removed to Franklin Co Vt. when a young man, remaining there until 1833, when he removed with his family to the state of New Jersey.

In 1838 he came to Ogle Co., Illinois, where he resided for 37 years, spending the last three years of his life with his children in Iowa.

He was converted in early life, and identified himself with the Congregational Church in the different places where he resided until the time of his death, which occurred on May 30, 1886 after an illness of nearly seven weeks. He was nearly 86 years old.

His faith was firm to the end, earnestly desiring to go home. His death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Doughty in Fayette County, Iowa.

His remains were brought to Byron and the funeral services were held in the M. E. Church Tuesday, June 1. Rev. J. Gibson preached the sermon from Phil. 1:21.

Mr. and Mrs. John Doughty and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Parker, of Fayette, Iowa, accompanied the corpse, and attended the funeral.

He married Harriet Safford in 1822, with whom he lived for nearly 60 years. He was the father of six children all of whom are living except the youngest son, James Parker. He was the last surviving member of his father’s family.

He was a member of the Byron Congregational Church 40 years, a Christian for more than 60 years. He was a public spirited man, taking an active interest in what was best in his time.

He was first a Whig in Politics but from the inception of the Republican Party a consistent and ardent Republican. The family hereby return their hearty thanks to all for their kind sympathy in their bereavement.

Byron Express, June 4, 1886, p.1

Contributed by Bob Hutchins

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