If yesterday’s background data on Loyalist Jonathan Parker Jr. left you a bit confused, I have to admit that it did not clear the waters for me either.
What I did determine from looking at the various lists is that I believe, at least today, that there were at least two generations of Parkers on the ship Camel and there were probably three generations.
My current thinking as I try to work through all this is that one Jonathan Parker might have been the senior family member.
Benjamin Parker with the wife and four children may have been his son.
Jonathan Parker, Jr., in turn, may be the son of Benjamin.
Yes, this is all supposition at this point, but I’ve pointed out before that we have to begin somewhere and this configuration makes sense.
If Joseph Parker, a grantee at St. John, was part of this family, the connection isn’t evident and the name Joseph doesn’t appear in any of the Parker families on Campobello or Deer Islands in New Brunswick.
My Jonathan Parker may have married at Beaver Harbour, as history shows that many of the Camel passengers who landed at St. John eventually continued on and settled there. I read a short history of Beaver Harbour, found online, that included information about their meeting house burning in 1790 with all their early records lost. That might account for the dearth of marriage information for this group.
“My” Loyalist Jonathan Parker married about 1786 or early 1787, which would fit well with a 1764 birth date. My Benjamin, his son, was born c1787-1788. The fact that Jonathan’s eldest known son was given that name supports my theory that Jonathan Jr. may have been the son of the Benjamin with the wife and four younger children on the Camel.
Very old research on the Campobello Parkers identified Jonathan’s children as Benjamin, Thomas, James M., Rebecca, Richard, John and William. I don’t believe that Richard, John and William were his sons unless there are younger men of the same name who I haven’t yet come across.
Richard and John both leased land from David Owen on Campobello in the early 1790s. Jonathan could not have been the father of these two men since they had to have been of legal age – 21 – to sign a contract, putting their births no later than c1771. Remember, Jonathan was born c1764. It is much more likely that they were his brothers.
As for William, he was not on the 1811 militia list that I shared yesterday; that is, he isn’t on the list under Jonathan. I tend to believe because of the ages of Jonathan and Richard that Benjamin and Thomas are his sons and that William is the (probably eldest) son of Richard Parker.
1811 Parkers on the Militia List
In any case, William is a moot point in terms of descendants because there is no evidence he had a wife or family and he died in a shipwreck in Casco Bay, Maine on 22 December 1821. He would have been about 27 years old at the time.
Yesterday, I also referenced a manuscript by Mary Gallagher, which is reportedly housed at the Campobello Library. I have not seen this manuscript myself. I’ve only seen notes transcribed from the original. However, the Parkers are mentioned several times in it.
Jonathan Parker apparently never owned any land on Campobello Island. When he lived there, he leased it from David Owen. That is supported by the leases I’ve found in the land deeds for Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada. It is said that Jonathan decided to leave Campobello Island in 1814 and he, with his family, removed to St. John for two years, returning to Campobello in 1816.
The Gallagher manuscript gives the names of two other (reputed) daughters of Jonathan – Frances and Mary.
There are also some early marriage records for Campobello people starting in 1795 into the early 1800s. First, Richard Parker married Catherine (Kitty) Miars/Mears/Mairs on 5 March 1795. Catherine Parker, wife of Richard Parker, died 14 March 1829, aged 54, so she was born c1775. Again, data is ruling him out as a son of Jonathan. Second, there is a Thomas Parker who I haven’t seen in any other very early records who married Ann Mairs (probably a sister of Kitty) on 2 May 1801. Assuming that he was at least 21 when he married, this Thomas was born c1780. Next, one William Mitchell married Elizabeth Parker on 6 August 1795. Elizabeth is a potential sister of Jonathan, Richard and Thomas, but this couple isn’t found in the 1851 census. They may have both died before then.
There are three females who married a couple of decades later. Rachel Parker married John Woodward Wilson on 3 September 1818. They were married by David Owen. Rachel is likely to be a daughter of Jonathan. See below. Isabella Parker married Edward Calder on 15 December 1819. Isabella was born c1800 and died 22 February 1842. Her gravestone is still legible. Edward was born c1796 and died 13 November 1864. Ann Parker married Daniel Mitchell Jr. on 22 March 1827. She may well be a child of Jonathan, too, as the witnesses included _____ Mitchell and William Tinker. William Tinker married Rebecca Parker, c1817.
Finally, there are two deaths, which might be of interest. There is a gravestone for a Mary Parker, wife of Samuel Parker, found on Campobello. She was born c1804 and died 18 May 1857. However, this couple hasn’t been found in the 1851 census, either together or singly. Last, there is a death announcement for Anna Parker, 33 years old, who died shortly before the 31 May 1828 announcement in the Eastport Sentinel. It did not say whether she was married or not.
From all these bits and pieces, a tentative family can be cobbled together for Jonathan Parker and his unknown wife:
- Benjamin, born c1787/88, New Brunswick, Canada; died October 1870, Deer Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada; married (1) Maria Wilson, 12 April 1812, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada. Maria was born c1796; died shortly before 25 October 1828, when her death notice appeared in the Eastport Sentinel newspaper (2) Susan Herson. Susan was born January 1813, New Brunswick, Canada; died 7 April 1910, Deer Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada. There is some confusion as to the marriage date for Benjamin and Susan. It is recorded as 19 December 1848, however, her father’s permission was given. Many believe that they married on 19 December 1828, which would only be about two months after Maria died.
- Thomas, born August 1791, New Brunswick, Canada; died 19 March 1871, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada; married Elizabeth (MNU). She was born c1806, Nova Scotia; died 6 January 1871, Campobello Island, West Isles, new Brunswick, Canada, aged 66. I have seen mention that Thomas married (1) Miriam Ludlow, c1814, but I have found no record of them anywhere.
- Frances, born c1794, New Brunswick, Canada; died 29 March 1860, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada; married Christopher Young, 2 September 1815, St. John, New Brunswick, Canada. Christopher is said to be the son of George Young, a wealthy Loyalist from Long Island, New York. Christopher was born c1794, New Brunswick; died after the 1861 census. Both likely died on Campobello Island.
- James M(anning?), born c1792, 1793 or 1796, but he is not on the 1811 militia list so under 16 at that time. That would make 1796 a likely birth year; he died 2 June 1877, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada; married Euphemia Sinclair, c1820. Euphemia was born c1799, New Brunswick, Canada; died 27 March 1884, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada. Her obituary said she was survived by six children, 36 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
- Rachel, born c1797, New Brunswick, Canada; died before 1851 census; married Captain John Woodward Wilson, 3 September 1818. They were married by David Owen on Campobello. John was born c1792; died shortly before 11 November 1826, when his death was announced in the Eastport Sentinel newspaper.
- Rebecca, born c1799, New Brunswick, Canada; died between 1861-1871 censuses; married William Tinker, c1817. William was born c1794, New Brunswick, Canada; died after the 1871 census.
- Mary, born, say 1801, New Brunswick, Canada; died before 1851 census; married Thomas Patterson. Thomas is said to be the son of Stephen Patterson and grandson of Josiah Patterson, one of the first grantees of St. John, New Brunswick, Canada.
- Ann, born c1806, New Brunswick, Canada; married Daniel Mitchell Jr., 27 March 1827, Campobello Island, West Isles, New Brunswick, Canada.
How accurate is this family grouping? Right now, it’s the best I have. I believe it is accurate based on the information I have today, but that might change with future research.
If you are descended from any of these Parkers, please leave a comment!!!
Hello. You mentioned a Canadian 1811 militia list. Is that something unique to Campobello Island or is there an all Canada militia list out there. I am looking for Loyalists in Nova Scotia around that time. I have marriages taking place in Shelburne but I can not track people into Canada or back to the U.S. Too many common surnames and the ones proven on the United Empire Loyalists’ website are not mine.
Thank-you
Greenhill39
I stumbled on the Campobello militia list that others had posted online. I don’t know if they exist for other areas. I’d contact the UEL Association to ask.
This might lead to some valuable info https://www.facebook.com/groups/CICBB/?multi_permalinks=1493340880728379¬if_t=like¬if_id=1496838978301926. This is from the Campobello Bulletin Board and yes there are a lot of Parkers here. Dawn Parker Cheri Porter you know a lot of the geneology
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Theresa Mitchell
Theresa Mitchell Dianna Parker
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Karlene Lank Hood
Karlene Lank Hood Millie Parker ??
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Vivian Mellish
Vivian Mellish William Henry Parker (father of Romaine Parker), married daughter of Bill James. Her name was Naomi James, (step sister to James Edgar Anthony, my g.grandfather). They lived out at Mill Cove (at the end of the road). William & Naomi were married 5 Oct. 1936 in New Hampshire. I do not know if there is any connection to the Parkers mentioned. It may be something to go on! I hope this is helpful.
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Cheri Porter
Cheri Porter Yes …. Romaine was my grandfather
Thank you for the FB group tip!
Rebecca Parker was my great-great-great grandmother.
June Parker did extensive research on the Parkers, who came of Johnathan , I have all of her research somewhere in paper form, my father was George Angus Parker, son of Charles Parker, Charles was the son of Patrick Parker who was the son of George Parker. I don’t have my genealogy right in front of me, but I believe George was the son of Benjamin, but I will have to find my papers and get back to you. Not sure if you have a link to New Brunsick Provinical archives so I will enclose ithttp://archives.gnb.ca/Search/VISSE/Default.aspx?culture=en-CA .
Debbie, Thank you for the links to Campobello. They are much appreciated.
Heather, Thank you, too, for the links to further Campobello Island family information. I appreciate all the work you’ve done setting up your page.
I 1970’s letter from my mother refers to Sandy Parker in connection with my father meeting Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the Parkers home near Campobello. They had attended Harvard at the same time but never met each other there. I vividly remember Sandy’s visit to our home (Edmund Cushing and Camille Pollard Stone) in Mt. Lebanon Pa in the 40’s or 50’s. We had a “war” at the dining room table with whipped cream. He was such fun! I don’t remember ever seeing him again and would love to know how the Stones were connected to the Parkers. Any clues would be appreciated.
Hi Rebecca, Your family ties to Sandy Parker and FDR are tantalizing, but I think finding how the Parkers and Stones were connected would take a lot of digging. There are a lot of Parkers associated with Campobello and it is possible that Sandy (Alexander?) might have been a classmate at Harvard or a school before college. They might also have met vacationing on Campobello.
Hi! I believe I am a descendant of Thomas Patterson and Mary Parker that you have listed here. My 3rd GGF, Stephen Patterson’s (1811-1898) death certificate states his parents were Mary Parker, born in Campobello, NB and Thomas Patterson, born in Philadelphia PA. Stephen was born in St John NB. Thomas was a fisherman. That is all the information I have. Does this match what you have found for the Mary Parker you have above? If so, I would love any info you may have (or maybe point me in the right direction)! Thank you so much for your time!
I am decendant of Samuel Parker Jr. & his second wife Mary. Their son, James Henry Parker and his second wife Angeline Waite gave birth to my great great grandfather, Ephriam Parker who died in an explosion Oct 15, 1920. His son, Olin Frank (Nig) Parker is my Great-Grandfather.
I have Parker family information from John Miller mailed to my Great-grandmother in 1987. John Miller also comes from the John Parker (1817 – 1896) line and his first marrage to Jane Samis (1820 – 1850).
I am looking for more information on Samuel Parker Sr. (Died 1818) And his wife Sarah. Looking at John Millers records from 1987,
I believe the Samuel Parker mentioned in the Camel passenger records bound for NB circa 1783 was born 1810 and is John’s older brother. The oldest son of Samuel Jr & Mary Parker.
John Millers records identify Samuel Parker Sr. (1744 – 1818) as the oldest known Patriarch. I would like to understand more about this families loyalist migration and beyond. I have reason to believe Samuel Sr. Settled lot 1 concession 1 in Northumberland County Ontario and his son Samuel Jr settled at lot 1 conession 2.
Unable to edit comments, I recognize some discrepancy with my comments about the Camel passenger list. I wonder if there is connection between Northumberland County ON Parkers and Johns NB line. Many names line up here.