My Genealogy Hound

JOHN P. PARKER, manufacturer of slide valve engines and reapers, Ripley, is a native of Norfolk, Va., where he was born (a slave) in 1827. When eight years of age, he was taken from his mother, and with four hundred others was sold on the block. Ho was taken to Richmond, and chained to an old man, who was subsequently whipped to death. Four months afterward, he was again sold and taken to Mobile, Ala., where his servitude fairly began. He was kept at work mostly in furnaces and iron manufactories, and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. He was apt and quick to learn, and while in bondage, serving under eleven masters, he was considered a valuable slave, and commanded a high price at the block. But the faint hope for freedom burned within his soul, and with faith in God, he suffered under the galling chains of slavery. His final service was with Mrs. Ryden, of Mobile, Ala., with whom he contracted to pay $1,800 for his freedom, in weekly installments of $10, with interest. To attain this one object of his life was almost a hopeless task, but he worked diligently, and secured extra means by buying and selling small articles, traffic, etc. In 1845, he had paid the full amount, and was furnished with a pass to New Albany, Ind., when he breathed the first air of freedom, and his life warmed with a new life; the strongest hopes animated his breast, and under the mark of the lash, glowed and warmed the blood of a freeman’s heart, yet strong through suffering, spared through the interposition of an All-Wise providence to assist and benefit mankind. For several years, he worked at his trade in different States, and in 1854 came to this city. With the indomitable pluck and energy characteristic of his nature, he erected an old boiler on the bank of the river and began the struggle for the success which he has attained. His abilities and knowledge of foundry business were recognized, and orders promptly followed his efforts. He was tireless in his purpose, frugal, and sought to make every opportunity useful. In a short time, he succeeded William McKeig in his present premises, and is sole owner of the establishment. He employs a large number of men, and carries on a successful manufacturing business. During the rebellion, Mr. Parker gave his service to the Government, and was successful in recruiting the troops of the Twenty-Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry (Colored) Regiment, securing all the enlistments from Kentucky. This regiment was mustered in at Delaware, and did meritorious work in the field under Col. Blackman. It is but a word of justice to say of Mr. Parker’s services during the late war, that the half could not be told, and we leave it with the deeds of others to appear in the war records of the country, and related by those who knew him but to praise. Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Miranda Boulden, a native of Cincinnati, May 12, 1848. To this union eight children have been born, six of whom are living. The eldest, Hale G. is a lawyer and teacher of the High (Colored) School at St. Louis, Mo. Cassius C. is a teacher in the public school at Vincennes, Ind. Horatio W., Principal of the High School at Cairo, Ill. Hortense, is attending studies at Holyoke Seminary, Holyoke, Mass., to graduate in 1883. Portia and Bianca, both residing at home, thorough scholars of music, the former a graduate of Ripley School. Mr. Parker is a man of a social, genial temperament, one with whom it is pleasant to meet, at any and all times. His hand is always extended in welcome, and his heart is open to the poor and oppressed. As a man, a citizen, a neighbor, and a friend, he holds a high estimate, and in death his name will go down honored, respected and beloved by all.