Born: April 24, 1822
Date of Death: July 15, 1906
Age at Death: 84
Interment Source:
Corpus Christi Weekly Caller, July 20, 1906
NO HEADSTONE
1. Photograph
Provenance: Burney Parker
Submitted by: Geraldine McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
2. Biographical information from Pathfinders of Texas, 1836-1846
3. Obituaries
RACHEL T. PARKER
One of Corpus Christi's Octogenarians and Pioneers Gone to her Rest.
Corpus Christi has lost another of its old pioneer and octogenarian citizens in the death of Mrs. Rachel T. parker, which occurred at her home on the bluff Rachel Parker in this city Sunday morning, July 15, at 4 o'clock. The death of this estimable old lady was not unexpected as it was known that she was in very feeble health and had been unable to get about or some time past. She was a woman of great avordupois, weighing about 269 pounds. She has been gradually growing weaker since Tuesday last, when she was taken with a congestive chill and those around her beside realized that the end was near. Deceased was a native of Green county, Illinois, where she was born April 24, 1822, being 84 years of age at the time of her death. In 1843 the subject of this sketch was married to Mr. Tom S. Parker at Fort Gibson, I. T., from which place they moved to Corpus Christi in the early part of 1845. While Taylor's army was encamped here Mr. Parker was given the contract to supply the beef for the soldiers, and he and his wife accompanied the troops to Camargo, Mexico, where they remained until the cessation of hostilities. Mrs. Parker made the flag for Taylor's army which was used at the battle of Buena Vista. After the Mexican war Mr. and Mrs. Parker returned to Corpus Christi and, like the other pioneers of the Bluff City, went through the troublous times of the early days. Mrs. Parker knew the early history of Corpus Christi well and many were the interesting reminiscences told by her to the generation of our day. During the civil war she remained here, her husband being employed in Mexico. During the yellow fever epidemic in 1867 Mrs. Parker lost one of her sons from the dread malady, but did all in her power to alleviate the sufferings of other stricken citizens. Her husband died 19 years ago, but she continued to make her home here, in fact she had resided in Croups Christi 61 years. During their union were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker, twelve children—10 boys and 2 girls, of which the following survive the mother: Mrs. Jane Asselinas (Salinas), of Rio Grande City; Mrs. Frank Atkinson, of this city; John T. Parker, of Laredo; Frank B. Parker, of Matamoras, Mexico; H. K. Parker, of New Mexico. Besides her daughter, Mrs. Atkinson, of this city, John T. Parker of Laredo, came here to attend the funeral, which took place at 6:30 Sunday evening, interment being in the old Bayview cemetery by the side of the remains of her husband and children who had preceded her to the eternal home in another world. To the grief-stricken family the Caller and many friends extend their heartfelt sympathy in the loss of a loved one.
Source: Corpus Christi Weekly Caller, July 20, 1906
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
Mrs. Rachel T. Parker, aged 84 years, died at her Corpus Christi home last Sunday morning, July 15, 1906. She came to this place in 2834, and, while she accompanied Taylor's army in part of the Mexican war, has practically made her home here ever since. She was a much loved mother and one of the most interesting characters in this community. Of her twelve children the following survive; Mrs. Jan Asselinas*, of Rio Grande City; Mrs. Frank Atkinson, of this city; John T. Parker of Laredo; Frank B. Parker, of Matamoras, Mexico; H. K. Parker, of New Mexico.
Source: The Corpus Crony, July 21, 1906, p. 1, col. 3
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
OLD RESIDENT DEAD
Mrs. Rachel T. Parker, who resided in Corpus Christi 62 years, died at her home on the Bluff on Sunday morning. She was 84 years old when she passed away, and personally knew more about this historic section than other person living. She was the widow of the late Thos. S. Parker, who took an active party with Gen. Taylor's army, and she leaves many gown children to sincerely mourn her loss.
Source: The Texas Sun, July 20, 1906, p. 1, col. 4
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
