James W. Parker was born January 3, 1842 in the state of Tennessee and passed away April 5, 1926.  He came with his parents to Illinois in the year of 1846, living in Hancock county where he resided until his death.

On March 21, 1861 he was united in marriage to Eliza Bloyd who departed this life March 18, 1899.  To this union one child was born on December 20, 1865, namely Rebecca, who lived to the age of thirteen years.

This good man united with the Methodist church at the age of 30 years and remained a faithful and loyal christian man the rest of his life.  He was always a lover of that which was for good and uplifting to a higher and nobler life in Christ, without wavering from his firm faith in his God, his best and tried friend whom he trusted at all times, even in affliction and suffering, he held on with a firm grip of faith to the end.  Such was the life of J. W. Parker.

He was united in marriage the second time to Mrs. Emma Langly who is left to mourn the loss of a dear companion.  He is also survived by two brothers, C. Z. Parker, of Phillips county, Kansas, and Lemuel Parker and one sister, Mrs. Ada Wright both living near Fountain Green.  There are also five step children, namely, Mrs. Alice Wilson, Plymouth; Albert Langly of Spearville, Kansas; Alfred Langly of Fandon, Ill.; Mary Groves of Carthage and May Boston of Arbela, Mo., besides a host of nephews, nieces and very dear friends who will miss his always smiling face and sunny disposition.

We can truthfully say that a good man has been taken from us, one who we will miss so much in daily life, but God wanted him and he was ready to go.  Good bye dear brother, friend and neighbor, sweet be your rest, and await our coming.

Very beautiful and comforting words were spoken by Rev. Dodds of Carthage.  The funeral was held at the home Wednesday morning at 9:30 after which the body was brought to Majorville cemetery for burial.  On account of almost impassible roads and weather the minister was unable to come to the cemetery.  An old friend and neighbor, E. W. Huston, took charge of services at the grave and we can all truthfully say no minister could have given a more beautiful tribute of respect, Mr. Huston being raised up with him since a young boy, alsways remembering his life as that which was good, kind and self sacrificing.

We thank the neighbors and friends for their many acts of kindness during the sickness and death of our dear husband and brother.  We also want to thank the good people of Majorville for their many acts of kindness.

See also: Marriage Documents Charles & Rebecca Parker (James' parents)

James' second wife, the daughter of Darius Munson and Lucretia Daugherty, was born August 5, 1856, in St. Mary's Township, Hancock County, Illinois.  Her given name is found variously:

Emeretta - first marriage license
Emaretta - 1910 Federal Census
Emaratia - 1920 Federal Census
Emma Retia - death certificate (her daughter was the informant)
Emeretia - obituary
Emma - tombstone

For the sake of simplicity, we'll use Emma.

Emma Jane Munson became the second wife of Isaac Langley on April 4, 1872.  They had six children together, five of whom were still living as of June 1, 1900.  Isaac died in 1896.

Emma went to visit her daughter, Lucretia Mae, in Scotland County, Missouri, in 1927, and died there on August 8.

The death certificate stated that the place of death was Thomson (misspelled as Thompson) Township, Scotland County.  Her obituary stated she died at Arbela, which is a town in Thomson Township.  Emma's remains were brought back to Hancock County for burial next to Isaac at Old Brick Cemetery in Carthage Township.

Charles W Parker, 38, male, farmer, value of real estate 175, born VA
Rebecca, 30, female, born TN
James W, 9, male, born TN, attended school within the year
John, 7, male, born IL
Samuel, 4, male, born IL
Zechariah, 1, male, born IL
C W Hacwith, 24, male, laborer, born TN

Charles Parker, 48, male, farmer, value of real estate 1000, value of personal estate 440, born VA
Rebecca, 42, female, born VA
James, 19, male, farmer, born TN, attended school within the year
John, 17, male, farmer, born TN, attended school within the year
William, 11, male, born IL, attended school within the year   [Charles Zachariah]
Labon, 9, male, born IL, attended school within the year
Ann, 6, female, born IL
Emanuel, 3, male, born IL   [Lemuel]

Parker, James W, 29, male, white, farmer, value of real estate 300, born TN, male citizen of the U.S. aged 21 or more
Eliza J, 25, female, white, keeping house, born IL
Rebecca, 4, female, white, born IL

Parker, James W, white, male, 40, married, farmer, born TN, father born VA, mother born TN
Eliza, white, female, 36, wife, married, keeping house, born IL, both parents born IL
Mustard, Elijah, white, male, 8, nephew, single, [no school attendance indicated], born IL, both parents born IL
Mustard, Charles, white, male, 6, nephew, single, [no school attendance indicated], born IL, both parents born IL

Parker, James W, head, white, male, Jan 1842, 58, widower, married for 31 years, born TN, father born VA, mother born TN, farmer, could read, write and speak English, rented his farm home, farm schedule #132

The marriage of James W. Parker of Joetta and Mrs. Emma Langly of Elm Tree took place at the home of Mrs. Reeder, in Carthage Thursday evening Oct. 24th at 4:30 o'clock, Rev. C. W. Ayling of Carthage officiating.  Mrs. Ida [probably Ada Bethena Parker Wright], sister of Mr. Parker gave a reception in honor of them.  We with others here extend congratulations.  Mr. Parker says batching is a thing of the past.

Parker, James W, head, male, white, 68, married (2nd) for 8 years, born TN, both parents born TN, spoke English, farmer, general farm, working on own account, whether out of work on April 15, 1910 - no, number of weeks out of work during 1909 - 0, could read and write, owned his farm home free of mortgage, farm schedule 66

Emaretta, wife, female,white, 53, married (2nd) for 8 years; mother of 6 children, 5 living; born IL, father born Canada Eng, mother born IL, spoke English, could read and write

Langley, Albert, stepson, male, white, 27, single, born IL, both parents born IL, laborer, farm, employee, whether out of work on April 15, 1910 - no, number of weeks out of work during 1909 - 0, could read and write

Parker, James, head, owned his home free of mortgage, male, white, 78, married, could read and write, born TN, father born TN, mother born VA, spoke English, farmer, general farm, employer, farm schedule 84

Emaratia, wife, female, white, 63, married, could read and write, born IL; father born Canada, mother tongue English; mother born IL; spoke English