The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: NH
Qualifying Service: Patriotic Service
The cemetery is located between the Vermont Railroad Line and Middle Road at Clarendon, Rutland County, Vermont
Author: Col John Eldredge Sweeney (Ret.)
Jonathan Parker was born 1 January 1722, at Groton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts,1 a son of Jonathan Parker and Sarah Pearce. His parents were married 27 October 1720, at Groton, Middlesex County.2 They both died 21 September 1723.3
The family lore recorded Jonathan Parker’s parents were killed an Indian raid, but their one year old son was successfully hidden and survived the attack. Such raids against American Colonists were a part of colonial life in the Groton, Massachusetts, area. It is also family lore that Ephiram Pierce and Mary Whitney Pierce, his wife, were appointed guardians their grandson, Jonathan Parker.4 They relocated from Groton to Rindge, New Hampshire, about 1760.
Jonathan Parker married Eleanor Hunt, 12 July 1742, Groton, Massachusetts.5 Eleanor was born at Concord, Massachusetts, 10 August 1718. She was a daughter of Samuel Hunt and Dorothy Bulkley.6
Jonathan Parker and Elinor Hunt Parker were the parents of at least three sons: Jonathan Jr., Benjamin and Samuel.
As the American Colonies moved toward revolt against the British Crown, the American Continental Congress issued the instructions:
…all persons were to be disarmed who are notoriously disaffected to the cause of America, or who have not associated or refuse to associate to defend by arms the United Colonies against the hostile attempts of the British Fleets and Armies. In consequence of the above Resolution of the Honorable Continental Congress, and to show our determination in joining our American Brethren in defending the lives, liberties and property of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, we the subscribers do hereby solemnly engage and promise that we will to the utmost of our power at the risque [sic] of our lives and fortunes, with Arms oppose the Hostile proceedings of the British Fleets and Armies against the United American Colonies:7
Jonathan Parker was listed as a signatory of the above “Association Test” for the Town of Rindge, New Hampshire.8 This positive action of declaring loyalty to the American Revolutionary cause qualifies him for a noose at the hands of the British Army, and a patriot of the American Revolution.
Eleanor Hunt Parker died 8 June 1789, aged 71 years. Jonathan Parker died 27 October 1803, aged 84 years. They were buried at the Old Marsh Cemetery at Clarendon, Vermont.9
References
1. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 – Births: Jonathan Parker.
2. Ancestry.com – Massachusetts Marriages, 1633-1850, Jonathan Parker – Sarah Pierce 27 October 1720 marriage. Stearns, Ezra S., “History of the Town of Rindge, New Hampshire, 1736-1874,” Boston, 1875, Pg. 622.
5. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 –Groton Marriages.
6. New England Historic Genealogical Society Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850-Concord Births. Parker, Augustus G., “Parker in America 1630-1910,” Pg. 211.
7. Stearns, Ezra S., “History of the Town of Rindge, New Hampshire,” Pg. 122-124.
8. Ibid.
9. Jenks, Margaret R., “Clarendon and Shrewsbury Cemetery Inscriptions Rutland County Vermont,” Pg. 49.
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