John Parker

1818 - 1881

Bartow Informant, November 12, 1881

Death of an Old Settler

We are pained to learn of the death of Col. John Parker of Manatee county, who died suddenly at Ft. Meade, Thursday morning [November 10, 1881] of heart disease. He left Bartow on Wednesday afternoon, in apparent good health, and reaching Fort Meade that evening, passed the night with Mr. P. Dzialynski. Next morning he arose and went to the meeting and speaking to George Dzialynski on his way. Not appearing at breakfast time, a search was made for him, when he was found sitting in the water-closet--dead. Thus another old settler has passed away.

Comment by Kyle VanLandingham: There is a long tradition and belief in the Parker family that John Parker died of poisoning. He had sold some cattle at Punta Rassa and then went to Camp Meeting near Fort Meade. At some point he was given a drink of poisoned liquor which caused his death. Another account says he was poisoned by food and died in the outhouse with his feet sticking out the door. It is also understood that Thomas Owen Parker, son of Col. John Parker, hunted down and killed the man who had murdered his father.
 

Jane and John Parker