Together Again - John Davis PARKER

Together Again an Autobiographical History by Sophia Parker Stapley, 1976

Note: John Davis PARKER was member of Zions Camp and a member of the First Quorum of Seventy. John D. PARKER  joined the Council of Fifty prior to June 27, 1844, under the leadership of Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (as named in 1844). 

[Wives: 

1- Harriet SHERWOOD married before 1834 divorced before 1846. They had  4 children all died young.  Harriet was born 31 Jan 1806 and died 1881 IL.  She was deaf.  See: Church History. She was the daughter of Henry Garlic SHERWOOD. See: familysearch.org 

2 - Almeda Sophia ROUNDY married 3 Feb 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple, IL. Sophia was the daughter of Shadrack ROUNDY and Betsey QUIMBY.  They had 10 children.  Sophia was born 7 Mar 1829 NY and died 25 Sep 1912 UT.

3- Samantha ROUNDY married 3 Feb 1846 in the Nauvoo Temple, IL.  Samantha was the daughter of Shadrach ROUNDY and Betsey QUIMBY.  They had no children.  Samantha was born 2 Jun 1824 in NY and died 12 Jul 1906 in UT.

John D. PARKER, Sophia and Samantha all buried in Kanarraville, UT]

John Davis Parker
By Sophia Parker Stapley
As you can tell from all of the events credited to him, Grandfather Parker was an active and responsible man. He lived a full and exciting life. As has already been noted, he was born in Saratoga, New York as the first of 15 children. Because the family was so large, he was raised by a "German Aunt" (we're not sure who this was) and received a good education. He learned to speak seven different languages, four of which he mastered. This education was to serve him well in the years to come.

But he was restless, even as a youngster. At the age of only 13, he enlisted in the Army and became a soldier in the War of 1812! And served a full term, to boot. He was still restless after that, even though his aunt wanted him to stay with her. She was even willing to leave him her property and a large library of valuable books, if he would stay. But it wasn't what he wanted. He left home and at 17 years of age was working in a lumber business near Montreal, moving later to Nauvoo, Illinois. He became skilled in making wagons. The Latter Day Saints were located at Nauvoo at the time, and he came to know their leaders and their mission well. He embraced the Gospel and was baptized on May 1, 1832, by Shadrach Roundy and Steven Burnett. He was a member of the first Seventy Quorum in March, 1835; received the Patriarchal Blessing from the father of Prophet Joseph Smith in 1836; became an Elder on January 3, 1841; filled a Mission; and became a High Priest of the Church.

At Nauvoo, he met and married a Harriet Sherwood, who was deaf and dumb. They had four children, all of whom died in infancy -- named Dorcus, Moroni, Nephi, and Samuel. They later divorced.

Also at this time he became a commissioned officer, a Captain of the Militia of the State of Illinois, Nauvoo Legion, in 1842; and was elected a constable in Nauvoo in 1843. It was during this time that he began to play his important role of being a bodyguard for the Prophet. There are many stories about his deeds, doing this. I already told you about how he had gained the confidence of Sheriff John Williams, my great-grandfather, to learn of the plans the mobs had for threatening harm to the Latter Day Saints. He did this unbeknownst to the Sheriff, and used this secret information to help move the Prophet from one safe place to another. One night in particular, when danger seemed greatest, he "borrowed" a horse from a neighbor, silently crossed a river, moved the Prophet and his brother Hyrum to a safer place, came back across the river, and returned the horse to its proper place. The mob didn't find the Prophet when they made their raid that night and the family never knew that their horse had taken part in such an adventure.

Brigham Young appointed him to watch the Movements of the mob, and to stay the violence in Ward Carthage. Both he and Shadrach Roundy were selected by the Council to help move families and their goods from there into Nauvoo, for safer haven. It was daring and dangerous work and they responded to their mission. As you know, the Prophet and his brother were both killed by the mob, anyway, despite the efforts to protect them. The Prophet came out of hiding when he felt his people needed him, was jailed, and then killed while in jail. It was a terrible deed.

It was at Nauvoo that Grandfather Parker met two of the Roundy sisters, Almeda Sophia and Samantha, daughters of Shadrach. Following a courtship, he married them both in the Nauvoo Temple on February 3, 1846. It was a polygamous marriage, which was practiced in the Church at that time (the practice ended with the Manifesto in 1885).

When the decision was made in 1847 for the Latter Day Saints to move from Nauvoo to Utah, he and his wives were ready to join the first Company. But because he had become such a good wagon-maker, he was asked by Brigham Young to make wagons for others to use in crossing the Plains. They moved to a safer place -- the "Winter Camp" in Kanesville, Pottowami County, Iowa -- for this purpose, ending up spending about five years there. While he was there, the first three of his children were born. The first one died at birth, which brought great sorrow to them. He also served a term as County Sheriff. In all, he made 13 wagons that crossed the Plains. Then his shop caught fire, destroying two other wagons and his tools. Shortly afterwards, they decided it was time for them to make the journey to Utah also. Shortly afterwards, they decided it was time for them to make the journey to Utah Also.

To make the trip, they joined the Company of Captain Abraham D. Smoot. It was a terrible journey, because of a "scourge" (cholera) which struck many members of the Company. In all, 68 became sick and 14 died. Those who were stricken with it got it suddenly and were very ill. Those who didn't get it tried to take care of those who were sick. The weather was hot, and for those who died there was no time to make coffins. They were wrapped in their blankets and buried on the prairie. Every known method of combating the disease was tried. One method that seemed to work best was this. The afflicted person was either dipped in cool water or had it poured over the body. Then a starch-like mixture was made of whiskey and flour, and administered by mouth. Most of them made it through. Heading the list of those credited with doing their utmost to care for the sick was Grandfather Parker. The list also included Brigham Young, John Tanner, Nathan Tanner, and Heber C. Kimball. They arrived in Utah on August 28, 1852, with the five members of their family, a wagon, four oxen and two cows. They first settled in Centerville, Morgan County, and my father Charles was born there the following year, on December 30, 1853.

Grandfather's good education helped him become a leader among the early settlers of Utah. While living in Centerville, he was elected to two terms in the State Legislature, and one as a Probate Judge. His family and others were then called on to help settle Kanab, Cane County, Utah; and then later they moved to Kanarra in Iron County.

His fighting days were not over though. He fought during the Civil War of 1861-1965, when he was in his 60's, with a sword no less! It may have been the same sword he owned that had been a relic of the Revolutionary War. He cherished that sword. Anyway, after that he served in the Madisonian War to gain the right to naturalize.

Esther had a nice closing to grandfather's story. Here is how she tells it:
My grandparents lived in Kanab and from there they moved to Kanarra (North), the original location of the town, then to the new town after it was moved and rebuilt. They built a log cabin on the N.E. corner lot, of the block which stands N.E. corner lot, of the block which stands N.E. from the Church square, where Brother Platt's garden now stands. The family was raised in the log cabin. Later they bought a new home from Doc Brown.

They were a devoted family. Grandpa displayed many acts of kindness to both of his wives; also to his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, to whom he was very devoted, after his son Charles was married. Their warm affection and devotion lasted throughout their lives. At the time when the Marshals came on their rounds in search for Polygamists, grandpa talked with them but never was taken.

Because grandpa was quite old when he began raising his family (48) most of the responsibility of caring for the family fell on Charles' shoulders. Grandpa was 54 when Charles was born and 73 when his last daughter, Samantha was born. Charles then was nineteen years old. Grandpa did all he could to carry his load, such as chopping wood, shucking corn, feeding the stock, etc. But Grandma did the gardening. Charles did all the farming and hauling wood.

Grandpa was not too thrifty, that is, he didn't save very much money; however, he always managed to pay his full amount of tithing to the Church and was forever a very faithful member, always helping the other less fortunate families, especially the needy widowed families.
His lifelong habit of snuffing and chewing tobacco was broken during the last years of his life. He was often seen cracking and eating the pits from the Pottowomi plums, which could have been his means of substituting something else to help himself break his tobacco habit. I was only five years old when grandpa died but I do often remember seeing him sitting in his chair by the stove, enjoying the warm wood fire that heated the house. By his side was a little stool, on which his cat sat, sharing this comfortable place. They looked so contented warming themselves and napping there together. During that last cold winter, Grandpa developed pneumonia. He was then ninety-two. He went outside to cut his last armful of wood and as he entered the house he said that he would not ever be cutting any more wood. He went to his chair by the fire, and it was there where he took his final nap. He died in his favorite chair, with Kitty curled at his side.

Church History in the family - Eliza R. Snow School

Almeda Sophia ROUNDY attended Eliza R. Snow's School
in the Red Brick Store at Nauvoo

Eliza R. Snow’s private school met in the upper room of Joseph Smith’s red brick store in Nauvoo, Illinois. From 12 December 1842 to 17 March 1843, the Roundy sisters Almeda Sophia and Samantha attended Eliza R. Snow’s school. Thirty-seven students from the age of four to seventeen were enrolled. Some of Sophia and Samantha’s class mates were four of Joseph and Emma Smith’s children, five of Newel K. Whitney’s children, one of William Marks’ children, three of Vinson Knight’s children, and two of the Partridge children. Sophia turned 14 just before the close of the school. On the last day of school, both Samantha and Sophia wrote a tribute to Sister Snow.

Almeda Sophia ROUNDY

"The time has now arrived when it falls to my lot to bid you farewell as a teacher; it is with feelings of regret that I do so. I would still wish to continue under the guidance of one who I feel is possess’d [sic] of every qualification necessary to instruct the useful mind in all the branches of useful knowledge. I am not insensible to the interest you have manifested in my behalf, but have witnessed it with pleasure, and my desire is, that I may have as great an interst for myself and endeavor as far as possible to profit from the instructions given me. Receive my heartfelt gratitude for every kindness bestowed upon me; and may the time not be far distant when I shall again sit under the sound of your voice and listen to all the good advice and every instruction which you may deem proper to give me. Excuse all imperfections and receive these lines as a token of that high regard which I feel for a kind and affectionate teacher."

(signed) Sophia Roundy.

Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, editor, The Personal Writings of Eliza Roxy Snow (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1995), 72.

Ancestry Chain: TR, Lark, Kirt DeMar WOOD, Laura Elizabeth PARKER, Charles PARKER, Almeda Sophia ROUNDY.

“With pleasure now I take my pen, to write these humble lines In token of respect for one, whose heart with wisdom shines Whose words of admonition given, have caused me to rejoice And pray that I, like thee might make intelligence my choice, I feel that nobleness of mind, is what the Lord admires, And from they pen effusions flow, which oft my heart inspires; I feel an anxious wish arise that I like thee might be In time the favor’d one of heaven, to write sweet poetry, I now return my thanks sincere, for kind attention giv’n And pray that thy reward may be, rich blessings sent from heav’n; May all they future days be crown’d with peach and happiness Thy works obtain for thee at last, a robe or righeousness.”

(signed) Samantha Roundy.

Maureen Ursenbach Beecher, editor, The Personal Writings of Eliza Roxy Snow (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1995), 72-73.

Samantha Roundy was 18 when the school closed.

Kanarraville Cemetery - PARKER - DAVIES / DAVIS

Great grandparents, grandparents and Parents, of Laura Elizabeth PARKER WOOD (1889-1970).

Our ancestral sure name DAVIES was changed to DAVIS by James George DAVIS because it was pronounced "Davis" and too often misspelled after leaving Wales.

William Reese DAVIES (1805-1865) and Rachel MORRIS (1803-1882).
First man and women baptized in South Wales 1843. William R. DAVIES was the first Welsh speaking missionary in Wales.
Councilor to Dan Jones head of the emigrating company on the "Buena Vista" sailed in 1849. Called as branch Leader, at Council Bluffs.
Arrive in Utah 1852 William Morgan Wagon Train. First Presiding Elder of the Fort Harmony.

William Reese DAVIES born 1805 Saint Ishmael, Wales, married Rachel MORRIS abt 1824 Swansen, Wales, died 1805 Kanarraville, UT.
Rachel MORRIS born born 1803 Saint Ishmael, Wales, died 1882 Kanarraville, UT.
Parents of five children. George DAVIES, John Rees DAIVES, Elizabeth DAVIES WILLIAMS DAVIES, James George DAVIES / DAVIS, David DAVIES (child).

William Reese was the son of Rees DAVIES and Ann THOMAS.
Rachel was the daughter of George MORRIS and Catherine ANTHONY.

John Davis PARKER (1799-1891) and Almeda Sophia ROUNDY (1829-1912)

John Davis PARKER born 1799 Saratoga, NY.
Baptized 1832, member of ZIONS camp, 1835 member of First Quorum of Seventy, body guard to Joseph SMITH Jr., 1841 New Orleans Mission, built wagons at Winter Quarters for five years, captain of 10 Stewart's company 1852.
First married Harriet SHERWOOD (deaf) before 1834 Nauvoo, IL two or more children all died as infants, this marriage ended in divorce.
Second married Almeda Sophia ROUNDY 1846 Nauvoo, IL. John and Sophia were the parents of ten children. Jared R. PARKER (infant), John Davis PARKER (teen), Malinda PARKER ROUNDY, Charles PARKER, Mary Ellen PARKER (child), Betsey Jane PARKER SMITH, Otho PARKER (child), Lauretta PARKER (teen), Almeda Sophia PARKER TAYLOR, Samantha PARKER BERRY.
Third married Samantha ROUNDY 1846 Nauvoo, IL - no children.
Samantha was the older sister of second wife.

John Davis PARKER died 1891 in Kanarraville, UT.
John was the son of Able PARKER and Mary DAVIS.

Almeda Sophia ROUNDY was born 1829 Spafford, NY and died 1912 Alton, UT.
Sophia was the daughter of Shadrach ROUNDY and Bestsy QUIMBY.


James George DAVIS (1832-1909) and POLLY WILLIAMS (1838-1914)

James George DAVIS called "Uncle Jim" by all in Kanarra. He was the son of William Reese DAVIES and Rachel MORRIS and was born 1832 in Llanelly, Wales. He pioneered to Utah before his parents traveling with his brother John Reese DAVIES and their widowed sister in-law Mary Ann GRIFFITHS DAVIES. He was called on an Indian mission by Brigham Young to discern if the Welsh language could be found among the indians. James married 1856 in St. George, UT Polly WILLIAMS daughter of John WILLIAMS and Marcy Jane LUCAS WILLIAMS BARNEY. Polly was born 1838 in springfield, IL.

James and Polly were the parents of eleven children. Rachel DAVIS (infant), Elizabeth Ann DAVIS PARKER, James Lorenzo DAVIES/DAVIS, William Reese DAVIS, George Alma DAVIES/DAVIS, Myron Thomas DAVIS, Reese DAVIES, Nora DAVIS BERRY, Eleanor Matilda DAVIS POLLOCK, Albert DAVIS.
James George died 1909 in Kanarraville, UT. Polly died 1914 in Kanarraville, UT.

Charles PARKER Sr. (1853-1935) and Elizabeth Ann DAVIS (1859-1927)

Charles was the son of John Davis PARKER and Almeda Sophia ROUNDY.Elizabeth was the daughter of James George DAVIS and Polly WILLIAMS.
Charles was born 1853 Centerville, UT. He married Elizabeth 1880 in St George, UT. Elizabeth was born 1853 Old Fort Harmony, UT. The Parker's are the parents of nine children. Zina Ett PARKER POLLOCK, Charles PARKER Jr., Esther PARKER ROBB, Laura Elizabeth PARKER WOOD, (Dee) John Davis PARKER, Sophia PARKER STAPLEY, (Lena) Samantha Ahlena PARKER WILLIAMS, Ray Cecil PARKER, (Fay) Bruce Fayette PARKER.

Charles PARKER Sr. died 1935 in Kanarraville, UT. Elizabeth also died in Kanarraville in 1927.

Follow the name labels for more pictures and history.

Monuments and Markers - Fort Kanarra

Fort Harmony foundation from north east corner. Photo by Joseph Buchanan

Fort Kanarra

FORT KANARRA Old Kanarra, as it was called by early inhabitants, was founded in the spring of 1881 by settlers who moved from Fort Harmony. The town was situated on Kanarra Creek about one mile east of the present location. Later a group from Toquerville built on the present site in the springtown fashion shown. This settlement became known as Fort Kanarra. In 1866 the present town site of Kanarraville was surveyed by settlers from Kanab. During the same year this aggregate of settlements became one when the original group also moved to the new town site bringing with them a log meeting house. This building served for many years as a church, school and social hall. To build their homes, logs were hauled out of Shirts Canyon to the east. The first child born in Kanarraville James Wallace Pollock, son of Samuel Pollock, arrived on November 17, 1866 in his father's blacksmith shop. On September 29, 1867 Apostle Erastus Snow set apart Lorenzo W. Roundy as the first Bishop of this Mormon community. The town may have acquired its name from either of two sources. The popular belief is that the name came from an Indian Chief, Kaunar, who resided along the creek. Another origin may have been from the kind of willows that grow along the creek, Kanarra willows.

Site Information
Location: 40 S Main Street
KANARRAVILLE
IRON County

Marker Information
Placed By: Not Available Marker Condition: Excellent Marker Description: Diagram of homes in fort

Monument Information
Description: Boulder Constructed By: Not Available Materials: Native stone Dimensions (base): 5'W 4'3"H 3'D Condition: Excellent

Additional Information
Surveyor's Name: B. Bryant/A. Topham Surveyor's Organization: DUP Iron County Date Surveyed: 1995-05-15

[Among the pioneers of Kanarraville are uncle and first Bishop Lorenzo Wesley ROUNDY, grandfather and mother John Davis PARKER and Grandfathers and mothers from Old Fort Harmony - Almeda Sophia ROUNDY. William Reese DAVIES and Rachel MORRIS, James George DAVIS and Polly WILLIAMS and their daughter Elizabeth Ann DAVIS, Marcy Jane LUCAS WILLIAMS BARNEY.]

7 DAVIES / Morris
7 (Barney) / Lucas
6 DAVIS / Williams
6 PARKER / Roundy
5 PARKER / Davis

Kanarra Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) Minutes 1878-1890

Typed by Kerry Bate
Kanarra Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA)
Minutes 1878-1890

Almeda Sophia PARKER "Taylor"

p. 92 (16 Mar 1886): Conjoint meeting. “Select reading by A.S. Parker upon Plural Marriage,” “Dialogue by M.S. Roundy, Jr. Ella Perkins S.C. Stapley & W.T. Stapley.” [Almeda Sophia Parker here age 18 daughter of John Davis Parker and Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker.]

p. 98 (25 Jan 1890): [These minutes follow the previous ones] “Song by Maggie Davis, Hattie Ford, Samantha Parker and M. Harmon. Toast by J.J. Roundy song by W.W. Roundy entitled the old man’s drunk again—tune by the harmonica band.” [Samantha Parker here age 13 daughter of John Davis Parker and Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker.]

p. 101 (19 Mar 1890): “Recitation by Jesse Berry. Dialogue by Samantha Parker, Martha Williams, and J.J. Roundy.” “Essay by Mina Berry song by Maggie Davies and Martha Williams”—harmonica band.

Kanarra YMMIA Minutes 1890-1901

p. 1 (6 Dec 1890): Joel J. Roundy gives prayer; “J.J. Roundy then spoke a short time, gave some encouragin remarks.” Bishop Ford mentioned reorganizing, “said he would leave it in the hands of the meeting to choose a President.” Riley G. Williams chosen as president with John A. Stapley as assistant.

pp. 58-59 (17 Jan 1897): “Bro. John Steele was asked to take first part by giving an account of the early settlement of Iron County which he did in an interesting manner, being one of its first settlers. A guitar solo was rendered by Arnold Graf assisted by W.W. Pollock.” “Bp Wm Ford followed with his experience, in early life, with the grasshoppers war in the summer of 1855, and in 1865 of the troubles with the Indians at Kanab. Of his moving from Kanab to Long Valley and thence around to the crossing of the Virgin river just below Toquer and then to Kanaraa… ‘Reward of Drunkenness,’ [reading or lecture] by Frank Stratton…. Rebecca Williams Sang ‘When the swallows homeward fly.’”

Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER

p. 60 (31 Jan 1897): “Brother Josiah Reeves followed with his early experiences in Utah: His troubles and trials with Indians, hard times, Etc. He felt to thank the Lord for the protecting care which had been over him up to the present time. Music by W.W. Pollock and Arnold Graff on Harmonica and guitar. Sister Sophia Parker related instances which she, with her parents and many others passed through when leaving Nauvoo. Their being in destitute circumstances sickness in companies, plagues, their way of traveling, guns in hand while walking along side of teams, trouble with rats, leaving them destitute of clothes clouds of crickets between earth and sun, gulls devouring them. living on rawhides &c. She bore testimony that this was the church and kingdom of God and that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of God. A song was rendered by Ethel and Isabella Williams music by the guitar club. Wm T. Stapley sec.” [Sophia Parker (Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker) here at 67 daughter of Shadrach Roundy, wife of John Davis Parker, mother of Charles Parker.]

p. 63 (14 Feb 1897): “In the absence of Myron S. Roundy, James Stapley related some of his experiences while crossing the plains for emigrants in company of about 50 wagons with ox teams. Music by W.W. Pollock and Rees James Williams. Song by Johannah Williams and Minnie Berry entitled, ‘Nellie Ray.’ Song by Phillip Davies ‘My Old Cabin Home’, reading [by] Lucy Higgins, ‘The Curse of Liquor.’

Esther PARKER "Robb"

p. 100 (18 Dec 1898): “Sister Elizabeth Roundy read a selection on Kindness. We were then favored with instrumental music by Mahonri and John Stapley, on guitars… Song by Esther Parker, Malinda Williams, Hannah Reeves.” [Esther Parker here age 12 years daughter of Charles Parker and Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker.]

p. 136 (18 Feb 1900): “A song was nicely rendered by Malinda Williams Laura Parker and Rocina Williams accompanied by Miss Annie Isom, on the organ…”[Laura Parker here age 11 daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Davis Parker]

pp. 151-52 (17 Feb 1901): “Song by Rocina Williams Hulda Pollock and Laura Parker… instrumental music on guitars by Rees James Williams and William T. Stapley. After which Bro James Robb gave us a brief lecture on the “Effect of Literature Upon the Human Mind.’ referring to the character of Shilock, as contained in the Merchant of Venice.”

Kanaraville, YMMIA Minutes 1901-1913

Zina Ett PARKER 'Pollock"

p. 9 (2 Feb 1902) “Next was a reading by Jas Robb on Physiology and Ethics of Tobacco. A song was rendered by Johannah Williams and Zina Parker… Elder David White made a few closing remarks principally upon the use of tobacco and profanity.” [Zina Parker here age 19 she is daughter of Charles Parker and Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker.]

Laura Elizabeth PARKER "WOOD"

pp. 9-10 (5 Feb 1902): “We were favored with a song by Rocina Williams Laura Parker and Sarah Roundy. After which the young men retired to their room…”[Laura Parker here age 13 she is daughter of Charles Parker and Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker.]

p. 10 (12 Feb 1902): Instrumental music by William W. Pollock, John Henry and Jos. S. Williams. [William Wallace Pollock married Zina Parker 19 Nov 1902]

p. 11 (16 Feb 1902): Instrumental music by the brothers William W. and J.H. Pollock [p. 12] song by Ethel, Isabell and Malinda Williams and Esther Parker assisted by Jas Robb with his mandolett. Instrumental music by the Pollock brothers. [Esther Parker here age 15 daughter of Charles Parker and Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker.]

Esther, Charles Jr., Laura PARKER

pp. 12-13 (19 Feb 1902): J.J. Roundy and several others bear testimony; no details.

pp. 15-16 (2 Mar 1902): Instrumental music by John Henry Williams and W.W. Pollock… song by Hulda Pollock Laura Parker and Rocina Williams music by Bros. Pollock and Williams.

p. 24 (2 Nov 1902): song by Rocena Williams and Laura Parker.

p. 31 (31 Jan 1903): Hulda Pollock and Laura Parker sing.

p. 34 (special meeting without a date): Dr. George W. Middleton, Stake Supt., presides, releases James W. Williams as president, puts in Riley G. Williams, with Lewis J. Balser as first and William W. Pollock as second counselor.

p. 35 (18 Feb 1903): “Lecture on the ‘Viacarious Work’ was then given by Bro. Joel J. Roundy from the Manual of 1902-1903,” “Bros. William T. Stapley and David L. Davis, favored the congregation with a musical selection…” and then instrumental music.

p. 55 (3 Jan 1904): Song by Sadie Reeves Rocena Williams Laura Parker… music by Lorenzo and Jos. S. Williams.

Laura Elizabeth PARKER "WOOD"

p. 58 (7 Jan 1904): “Current even[t]s were given by Bro. Louis J. Balser namely loss of life in Russia, United States, and Spain also loss of property.” Song by Berry, Lorenzo, Rocena Williams and Laura Parker. [Laura Parker here almost age 14 daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Davis Parker]

p. 82 (22 Feb 1905): “Geo Washingtons birthday there was a dance held forth, and for that reason, there was not no session of mutual that night.”

p. 86 (1 Nov 1905): Conjoint, Sister Mary M. Williams taking charge [as she does regularly at conjoint meetings]. “Brother Joel J. Roundy was then unanimously sustained as the Seniour class leader of the M.I.A. of Kanarra Ward… Brother Joel J. Roundy discussed the first topic entitled Evidences of the Bible…”

p. 108 (12 Feb 1907): Song by Malinda Williams and Laura Parker. [Laura Parker here age 18 daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Davis Parker]

Iva Williams "Wood" and Laura Parker "Wood"

p. 109 (17 Feb 1907): Song by Sarah E. Reeves, Rocena and Iva Williams. [Iva Orilla Williams was life long best friend and second cousin of Laura Parker. Iva married the George Henry Wood best friend and first cousin of Laura's husband John Andrew Wood.]

p. 112 (3 Mar 1907): “A Story by Bro. Joel J. Roundy.”

p. 113 (5 Mar 1907): “Wm. T. Stapley read the first chapter of Rasselas from the Era… [marginal notation says, ‘Boys left the meeting’] Bp John W. Berry, the Junior class Instructor not being present, some of his class namely: Raymond A. Williams, Wallace Davies and John D. Parker left the meeting after the roll was called and credit marks being given.”—Wm. T. Stapley, sec. [John D. Parker here age 15 son of Charles and Elizabeth Davis Parker]

p. 121 (Special meeting, no date, but probably after the 10 December meeting): “Counsellor Jos. S. Williams said he felt like taking his part when he could but was not willing to come and expose himself to the cold as the house was all open…. John W. Platt was a little annoyed at the confusion…. Joel J. Roundy said he felt allright [p. 122] tho everything was not the most convenient. Would like to have things nice for the benefit of the Young men or boys. Jas W. Williams said he felt like Bro. Roundy. Wm. T. Stapley delighted in a clean comfortable and well lighted house and in doing those things for the success of the Mutual.”—Wm. T. Stapley, secretary. [minutes immediately following this are 17 December 1907]

p. 124 (19 Jan 1908): Instrumental music by Wennie Davies and Joseph S. Williams, song by Laura Parker.

p. 170 (14 Dec 1913): “Bro. Joel J. Roundy, Jessie Roundy & Rulon Platt gave the lesson.”

[End of this minute book; next YMMIA records begin in 1931, but they are not written minutes. Instead they are filled out forms.]

Kanara Relief Society Notes 1895-1915

Thanks to Kerry Bate

Kanara Relief Society Notes: [Sister Sophia Parker 1829-1912 (Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker)/ Almeda Parker 1868-1914 m. Eugene Llewelyn Taylor, daughter of Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker/ Laura Parker 1889-1970 - daughter of Charles Parker Sr. 1853-1935 who was son of Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker / Priscilla Parrish Roundy wife of Lorenzo Wesley Roundy 1819-1876 who was older brother of Almeda Sophia Roundy Parker.]

Volume 2 1895-1915 Relief Society Minutes

p. 1 (30 Oct 1895) S C Roundy secretary; “Minuets of a meeting” 30 Oct 1895 to incorp. Mary C. Nuttal elected meeting president

p. 4 (30 Oct 1895) directors elected at this meeting: Lovina N. Berry, Martha J. Ford, Young E. Stapley, S. C. Roundy, Almeda S. Parker; trustees: Harriet L. Stapley, Elizabeth A. Parker,Florence Mulliner [Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker wife of Charles Parker Sr. and daughter of James George Davis/Davies and Polly Williams.]

p. 5 (30 Oct 1895) directors meet 30 Oct 1895 and elected officers; Lovina Berry as president, on motion of S.C. Roundy second vice president is chosen, Y.E. Stapley; Martha Ford as first vice president; Almeda Parker made a motion to elect S.C. Roundy as secretary. Martha Ford nominated Almeda Parker for treasurer. [Almeda Parker is sister to Charles Parker Sr.]

p. 5 (7 Nov 1895) “… Sisters P P Roundy. H M Williams and Mary A. Griffen were elected members of the association. Sister Stapley spoke upon the organization of the association…. Sisters Jane E. Berry and P P Roundy also bore their testimony to the truth of the work and desired to prove faithful [p. 6] … Pres. L. N. Berry spoke upon obtaining donations and also the storing of Grain…. Benediction by Y. Elizabeth Stapley

p. 6 (5 Dec 1895) meetings held at L N Berry’s… Sister Lovina Berry said she felt well in regards to our religion and said the poor of our Ward should be taken care of hoped the sisters would all through in their might [sic] Sister Sophia Parker said she knew this was a true church, and knew Joseph Smith to be a true Prophet. Said we should look after the poor also our dead friends…. Sister Elizabeth Stapley spoke upon the pleasure she took in attending meeting. Also upon being prayerful and humble at all times. [p. 7]… It was moved and seconded that Sister E Stapley act as executive of this Association and unaneimously carried.

p. 7 (22 Nov 1895) meet at Sister Parker’s; benediction by J E Stapley

p. 8 (1 Apr 1896) met at Sister Stapleys presided over by Sister Stapley…. Sister Stapley bore her testimony and gave us some good instructions…. A. S. Parker…. Gave an interesting account of the life of the prophet Joseph

p. 8 (31 Jan 1896) met at Sister Jane E. Berry’s “for the purpose of celebrating the 75th birthday of Zina D. Young”… A Poem was then read by Sister P P Roundy Composed by Eliza R. Snow…. A sketch of Sister Zina D. Young’s life was then delivered by Sister Sophia Parker….

p. 9 (7 May 1896) Counselor Elizabeth Stapley regretted that our meetings had been neclected hoped the sisters would be more diligent and that we would be able to do better in the future…. Sisters Rebecca Berry, Zepher Nixon and S C Roundy bore their testimonies…. Benediction by S C Roundy

p. 10 (4 June 1896) Sister Stapley gave the prayer; Sister Stapley spoke upon setting good examples before our children and the rising generation….

p. 10 (9 June 1896) prayer by Sister P P Roundy… & P P Roundy felt thankful for the instructions (p. 11)

p. 11 (1 Oct 1896) “Sister Sophia Parker spoke upon being united and the storing of grain….”

p. 14 (4 Mar 1897) Sister Elizabeth Stapley said she felt like being one with the rest of the sisters. Said that she knew that this was the true Gospel and was willing to do her part. Sister S Parker spoke and gave some very good advise and was willing to all the good she could and spoke of being healed by the laying on of hands twice and had seen a good many healed by administration…. Sister Kate Roundy said she was satisfied with the society and hopeded [sic] we would have a good time together….

p. 18 (19 Jan 1898) at Sophia Parkers; E Stapley presiding “the afternoon spent in sewing carpet rags”; benediction by P P Roundy

p. 28 (8 June 1899) Persilla Roundy presiding…. Counsler Parsilla Roundy felt well and knew it was a duty to come to meeting and bore a strong testimony to the truth of the work Ask the Lord to bless us.
Sophia Parker… Spoke of her experience in the church, and when it was left without a prophet… [p. 29] Counselor Parsilla Roundy felt like relating some of her experiences in the church. She read of the celebration of Brigham Youngs 98 Birthday at S L Cit…[Parsilla Roundy is the sister in-law of Sophia Roundy Parker.]

p. 29 (22 June 1899) prayer by P P Roundy

pp. 29-30 (29 July 1899) prayer by councilor P P Roundy

p. 30 (9 Nov 1899) at PP Roundy’s…. 9 present…. M. J. Ford was pleased to see so many of the sisters presant…. Sister Lovina Berry…. had had her prayers answered in behalf of her children and other things…. Councler P. Roundy bore her testimony to the work of the Lord she had her weakness[es] but was trying to overcome them. Sister Sophia Parker read a chapter from Life of the Profit [sic] Joseph Smith…

p. 33 (3 Feb 1900) Sister Lovina Berry was Nominated by Sister P P Roundy to fulfill the place of Sister Hariet Stapley as being trustee who had moved away. P P Roundy bore her testimony and encouraged the sisters, to attend their duty…. Sister Almeda Parker…. Related how the Relief Soceity [sic] was carried on in Neavoue in the early rise of the church [p. 34] Sister Hannah Williams felt well in coming to meetings and doing all the good she could and spoke about looking after the poor among us. Sister Sarah Roundy bore her testimony and felt like pressing forward. She had been a member of the Relief Society since she was 16. And felt well when she attended the meetings.

p. 344 (8 Feb 1900) at P P Roundy’s; P P Roundy bore her testimony. She knew that the Lord had been good to his children. She said that we ought to be thankfull for his blessings. And felt like going forward and to try and live near o[u]r heavenly father… Sister Sophia Parker…. Felt like doing all she could to comfort the sick…

p. 36 (17 Mar 1900) Sister Priscilla Roundy read a peice for the Life of Heber C. Kimball intitled a word of good to Heber C. Kimball. She bore her testimony of the work of God. And that Joseph Smith and Brigham Young were true prophets of God.

p. 37 (22 Mar 1900) prayer by P P Roundy; benediction by Emma Roundy

p.. 38 (“April” 1900) P P Roundy gives prayer; Sister Sarah Roundy felt like bearing her testimony to the sisters. For when she bore her testimony it strengthened her. She had her prayers answered and felt like it was her duty to come to meeting and ask the Lord to bless us at all times. Sister Pricilla Roundy bore her testimony. Said she always hoped she would have a testimony to bear. She knew that no [one] but the Mormons could of lived in this valley when it was first settled. She related some of her early experience, in this valliey She also related some of the sayings of our leaders and had seen them fullfuled.

p. 39 (5 July 1900) prayer by P P Roundy; Concler Pricilla Roundy had a testimony to bear. It was fifty six years ago sence she had been baptized. And felt like pressing forward and remember her prayers. She said if she lived as she should the Lord would bless her and help her overcome her weakness. Hoped she would prove true to the end. Ask[ed] God to bless us continely…. Sister Sophia Parker never had a doubt of the truth of the Gospel since she joined the church. Related some of her experiences in thee early days of the church. how the sick had been healed by administration by the hand of her father [Shadrach Roundy] and desired to set a good example before her sisters…. [p. 40] Sister Sarah Roundy felt like coming to meeting And throwing in her might with the rest of the sisters. She knew this was the true church. and felt like coming and bearing her testimony. She encouraged the sisters all to attend meeting.

p. 43 (8 Nov 1900) at Y E Stapley’s; Counseler Y E Stapley presiding…. 9 present Sister Stapley was pleased to meet with the sisters again, and spoke of the progress of this work…. Sister Sophia Parker…. Spoke of the prophisies of the Prophet Joseph and their ful[fil]ment and had been invited to the Prophets house to parties and eating at his table… Sister Sarah Roundy bore her testimony to the truthfullness of this work. S C Roundy secretary

p. 46 (2 Mar 1901) [previous was an organizational meeting; this was a regular meeting] prayer by P P Roundy; Sister Sophia Parker felt like saying something [p. 47] with the rest of the sisters. She related an instance when her father [Shadrach Roundy] was healed by the laying on of hands, by the Prophet Joseph. And also of a time when she was instancny [sic] healed by administration
Sister P P Roundy bore a strong testimony And advised the sisters to get the names of their dead relation[s] and do their work…. Benediction by Emma Roundy

p. 47 (21 Mar 1901) piecing quilt blocks

p. 50 (9 Jan 1902) … Sister Sophia Parker…. Read a peice in the woman exponent pertaining to the relief Soceity….

p. 52 (6 Feb 1902) Sister Sophia Parker felt well in coming to meeting. She related some of her experiences in Nauvoo when she was young. how the Relief Society was carried on there. how they all donated 50 cents to buy the glass for the temple. She read a sketch of the life of Pheba Carter who married President Wilford Woodruff. and also read some of the doings of the Twelve apostals in the early days.

pp. 52-53 (20 Feb 1902 [over it is written 1892]) different writing; Elizabeth Stapley sustained as a teacher

p. 53 reorganized for the 60th anniversary of the Relief Society. [agenda] Speech. The First organization of the R.S. by Sophia Parker; Sentiment Elizabeth Stapley, Iron Davies “The Spinsters Convention” and lists girls there, but no Sarah Roundy

p. 53 (20 Mar [no year given]) prayer by Elizabeth Stapley

p. 54 (7 Aug 1902) Sister Kate Roundy spoke well in regards to attending our meetings.

p. 57 (8 Jan 1903) testimony meeting.

p. 59 (9 Apr 1903) Sophia Parker felt well in coming to meeting. Related some of the instructions of Joseph Smith gave in the first Relief Society Told what their duty was in taking care of the sick and poor. And she gave some good concil to the sisters…. Martha Williams and Kate Roundy bore their testimonies….

p. 61 (11 June 1903) Sister Sophia Parker felt weak in speaking to our sisters…. Spoke of the good of the RS in helping take dare of the sick in the ward, and looking after our children and setting a good example….

p. 61 (11 June 1903) Sister Sophia Parker felt weak in speaking to our sisters…. Spoke of the good of the RS in helping take dare of the sick in the ward, and looking after our children and setting a good example….

p. 72 (1903) program, prayer by James Stapley; sentiment Irona Davis, program for the danced, speech J. W. Berry, song John D. Williams John W. Platt Toast Samuel J Ford, song Malinda Williams Laura Parker and Hilda Pollock, committee on refreshments Irona Davis Zephyr Nixon, decoration committee Ethal Williams Isabell Williams Amanda Reeves.
[Laura Parker m. John Andrew Wood she is the daughter of Charles Parker Sr. 1853-1935 who was son of John Davis Parker 1799-1891 and Alemda Sophia (Roundy) Parker 1829-1912.]

added to post 18 May 2009
Volume 2 1895-1915 Relief Society Minutes

pp. 127-28 (20 June 1912) 10 present, sewing rags.

p. 139 (4 June 1914) quilting; no meetings in May.

p. 2155 (9 Nov 1915) S C Roundy presiding at Elizabeth A. Parkers…. Pres Roundy said this was testamoney day and after bearing her testamoney the meeting was open for the rest of the sisters…. Elly Reeves bore testamoney and told how she had been healed by the administration of the Elders… Parker had not walked a step in 8 years, not healed but blessed. [Elizabeth Ann Davis Parker was crippled by rheumatism and arthritis. Her daughter Laura Parker had quit school in Cedar City to stay home and take care of her mother for several years Laura did all the house work for the family before Laura married in 1910.]

Family Group of John D. PARKER and A. Sophia ROUNDY

Family of
John Davis PARKER (1799 NY-1891 UT)
and
Almeda Sophia ROUNDY (1829 NY-1912 UT)
m. 3 Feb 1846 Nauvoo Temple.
-see photo above-

Childern:
1- Jared R. PARKER (1847 Kanesville, Iowa-1847 Kanesville, Iowa/ infant.)

2- John Davis PARKER (1849 Kanesville, Iowa-1868 Utah/age 19.)


3- Malinda PARKER (1851 Kanesville, Iowa-1937 St. George, Utah/ mother of ten) m. 1872 1st cousin-William Heber ROUNDY. -see both in photo left-














4- Charles PARKER (1853 Centerville, UT-1935 Kanaraville, UT/ father of nine) m. 1880 Elizabeth Ann DAVIS. -see photo right-






5- Mary Ellen PARKER (1857 Centerville, UT- 1866 Upper Kanab, UT/ Scarlet fever age 10.)

6- Betsey Jane PARKER (1859 Centerville, UT-1951 UT/ mother of seven) m.1880 John George SMITH. -see photo left-


7- Otho PARKER (1862 Weber Valley, UT-1866 Upper Kanab, UT/ Scarlet fever age 4.)



8- Lauretta PARKER (1865 chicken Creek, UT-1880 UT/ age 15.)


9- Almeda Sophia PARKER (1868 Kanarraville, UT-1947 Burley, ID mother of four) m. Eugene Llewelyn TAYLOR. -see photo left-


10- Samantha PARKER (1872 Kanarraville, UT-1915 Salt Lake City, UT/ mother of three) m. 1891 Joseph Smith BERRY.




Other Spouses of John Davis PARKER: 1-Harriet SHERWOOD m. before 1834 Nauvoo - all children died in childhood - divorced. 3-Samantha ROUNDY m. 1846 Nauvoo - no children.

1852 Mormon Trail - John Davis PARKER and Almeda Sophia PARKER

Left - Samantha ROUNDY PARKER (1824-1906) Right - Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER (1829-1912) John Davis PARKER (1799-1891) photo not available

Nauvoo Saints NY / Ohio / MO / Nauvoo / Winter Quarters / Davis County, UT / Kanab, UT / Kanarraville, UT John Davis Parker age 53 / b. 1799 Saratoga, NY - m. 1846 Nauvoo, IL - d. 1891 Duncan Retreat, UT - buried Kanarraville, UT - Other Spouse, 1-Harriet Sherwood, 3-Samantha Roundy - Almeda Sophia Parker age 23 / b. 1829 Spafford, NY - d. 1912 Afton, UT - buried Kanarraville, UT. 

BAPTIZED: John, New York 1832 by Shadrach Roundy. / First Quorum of 70.Winter Quarters 5th Ward 1846-1852 years Assistant: John D. Parker to Bishop: Shadrach Roundy 1846-1847 

BAPTIZED: Sophia, Nauvoo 1838. 

BY LAND: 1852 Isaac M. Stewart Company Departure: 19 June 1852 Arrival in Salt Lake Valley: 28 August - 22 September 1852 Parker, John Davis (52) Parker, Almeda (23) Parker, John Davis (3) Parker, Malinda (1) Parker, Samantha (28) [Samantha is sister of Almeda Sophia and sister wife.] Pioneer Information: John Captain of First Ten; Captain of Guard; traveled with family of five. [Left Nauvoo 1846, provided wagon for Shadrach Roundy 1847 trip. John asked by Brigham Young to stay at Winter Quarters to build wagons, shop and tools burned 1852. First three children born in Iowa.] Company Information: About 245 individuals and 53 wagons were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Kanesville, Iowa (present day Council Bluffs). Parker, John D., 1850, NA, NA, 1850 Iowa Census Pottawattamie Co Kanesville Pct p.27 US/CAN Microfilm 442963 Parker, John D. and 4 persons, 1852, NA, Isaac M. Stewart, Deseret News Vol. 2 p. 90 Sept-18-1852 microfilm 0026586 Kirt DeMar WOOD - Laura Elizabeth PARKER pedigree

John Davis PARKER and Almeda Sophia ROUNDY

(Little) Samantha and (Big) "Sophia" ROUNDY PARKER

More history of Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER found in daughter Sophia's childhood history.

This page from the history of Almeda "Sophia's" daughter gives more insight to Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER and her sister Samantha ROUNDY PARKER. Also insight about John Davis PARKER their husband.

LIFE HISTORY OF ALMEDA SOPHIA PARKER TAYLOR
[daughter of Almeda Sophia ROUNDY and John Davis PARKER]
COMPILED BY THELMA TAYLOR KNIGHT AND IVIE OTTLEY
MAY 1979

Almeda Sophia Parker Taylor was born 5 March 1868 at Kannarah, Iron County, Utah. Her father was John Davis Parker, her mother was Almeda Sophia Roundy.

Her father was about 47 years old [correction- 46 years 2 month and 12 days] when he married her mother, who was 19 years of age [correction - 16 years 10 month and 27 days]. So it could be called a May and December wedding.

Sophia often said that she had the sweetest mother [Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER] on earth, but she remembered her father only as a cranky old man. He was set against dancing, and the waltz was evil. Everyone danced, mostly the quadrille and the Virginia reel. (They had children's dances at that time.) The other girls all wore their dresses shorter, but she and her sisters had to wear theirs longer.

However, one thing was in their favor. Her Dad was so old that he didn't go to anything but Church; so when they went to dances and parties they could wear their shorter dresses. He went to bed early, so they would get dressed up and their mother would usher them out the back door, and let them in, sometimes through the window. She was always so thoughtful and good to them.

Sophia often said that she thought no better man ever lived than her father [John D. PARKER] , but he couldn't tolerate his children's social life. Ivie Ottley, his granddaghter, thought if he could see the mini-skirts when they were in vogue, he would "turn overin his grave".

When John Davis Parker asked great grandfather Shadrack Roundy for his daughter's hand in Marriage, he said, " Yes, but you also have to marry Samantha her younger [correction - older] sister too."

Samantha had been dwarfed in sized by an accident when she was 8 [9] years old, and never grew in size anymore in height. However, just a little more pudgy and mature looking.

So grandfather married them both, the same day in the Nauvoo Temple. They lived together in the same house all of their lives. They were called "Big" and "Little" gramdam "Little" grandma had no children. Little grandma was so cute in her black plush cape, and black velvet bonnet with purple flowers across the front, and black satin bows on each side and tied under her chin. (This has been told as a little bacground on Sophia Taylor's life as a child, in her parent's home.)...

[more of this history may be added as it purtains to Big and Little grandma.]

Faith In Every Footstep - John Davis PARKER and Alemda Sophia ROUNDY

Faith In Every Footstep

John Davis PARKER and Almeda Sophia Roundy
with two small children and other wife Samantha Roundy
28 Aug 1852 Mormon Pioneers from Nauvoo

By Jordan Reasor - gr. gr. gr. grand daughter - seventh grade family history project 1999

*John Davis PARKER
Born: 22 Nov 1799
Place: Saratoga, Saratoga, NY

Pioneer: 28 Aug 1852 Abraham D. Smoot Wagon Company

Died: 27 Feb 1891
Place: Kanarraville, Iron, UT

Spouse #1: Harriet Sherwood -divorced
Children:
1. Dorcus -infant
2. Moroni -infant
3. Nephi -infant
4. Samuel -infant

Spouse #2
*Almeda Sophia PARKER
Born: 7 Mar 1829
Place: Spafford, Onondaga, NY
Married: 3 Feb 1846
Place: LDS temple, Nauvoo, Hancock, IL
Died: 25 sep 1912
Place: Alton, Kane, UT
Children:
1.[*]Jared R., 29 Dec 1847 Kanesville, IA-infant
2.{*}John Davis, 12 Apr 1849 Kanesville, IA
3.*Malinda, 4 Apr 1851 Kanesville, IA
4. Charles, 30 Dec 1853 Centerville, UT
5. Mary Ellen, 27 Feb 1857 Centerville, UT
6. Betsey Jane, 20 Mar 1859 Centerville, UT
7. Otho, 20 Nov 1862 Morgan, UT -child
8. Lauretta, 26 Feb 1865 Chicken Creek, UT
9. Almeda Sophia, 5 Mar 1868 Kanarraville, UT
10. Samantha, 27 May 1872 Kanarraville, UT

Spouse #3:*Samantha ROUNDY
Born: 2 Jun 1824
Place: Spafford, Ononagad, New York
Married: 3 Feb 1847
Place: LDS temple, Nauvoo, Hancock, IL
Died: 12 Jul 1906
Place: UT
No Children

Grandparent
*Pioneer
[*]Born and died en route
{*}Born en route

Almeda Sophia ROUNDY PARKER

Sophia Parker Stapley, a granddaughter, stated that Almeda Sophia Roundy and John Davis Parker were both “fascinating persons.”

My third great grandfather John was a well-educated, responsible, and active man. He was born in Saratoga, New York the 22 of November 1799. He was the first of Able and Mary Davis Parker’s fifteen children. Since the family was so large John was raised by a German Aunt. It was while he was living with this aunt that he became well educated, learning to speak seven languages. Of the seven he “mastered” four.

John needed to do new things. At the young age of 13 he joined the army and served a full term as a soldier in the war of 1812.

Though his aunt offered to give him her property and a Library full of valuable books if he would stay , he left his home at age 17 and worked in a lumber business near Montreal. He became skilled at building wagons.

Missionaries from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steven Burnett and Shadrack Roundy taught and baptized John May 1, 1832.

Samantha ROUNDY PARKER

The Church was just two years old at the time. Shadrach Roundy would become Johns father-in-law. (My fourth great grandfather.)

In 1834 John was one of the more than 100 men that had been gathered by the Prophet Joseph Smith from among the Saints in the Eastern States. These men formed an army known as Zion’s Camp. They where divided into groups of ten and five groups of ten were lead by a Captain. Joseph Smith lead this army on a 1,000 mile march from Ohio to Missouri. The purpose of Zion’s Camp was to help the Saints in Missouri who were being robbed and having there crops and homes burned by anti-mormon mobs.

By the time they reached Missouri there numbers had increased to 207. The journey was hard with very little to eat or drink. Often the food was rotten some times the water was from swamps and had to be strained to get out the “wiggles” Mosquito larvae. Some days they marched 35 miles. In Missouri the Governor was asked to help the Mormon citizens regain their homes and farms but he refused so they went to court. The rights for Mormon were denied.

When Zion’s camp passed through Richmond a black slave women told them there was a company of men there ready to kill them. They set up camp on a hill between two branches of the Fishing River. Five men road into camp cursing and swore that the Mormons would “see Hell before morning.” They said that 400 men were ready to destroy the Mormons. Gun fire was heard and some of the Mormon men wanted to fight but the Prophet Joseph told them the Lord would be with them. He said “stand still and see the salvation of God.” A dark cloud in the western sky seemed to roll out over the whole area. A great storm drove the Mormons from their tents into a nearby church. Outside the storm made the water rise so high the mob couldn’t cross the river. The mobs guns got too wet to use and their horses were driven off. Tree branches broke, crops were destroyed and the sky was full of thunder. The next day Colonel John Sconce of the Ray County militia came asking what the Mormons intentions were. He said “ I see that there is an Almighty power that protects this people.”

John had marched 1,000 miles to help members of his church. He didn’t have to fight but he learned and became stronger in his faith. In 1835 he become a member of the first Quorum of Seventies (a missionary Priesthood calling). He received his Patriarchal Blessing in 1836 from Joseph Smith Sr. the Prophets father. He was ordained an Elder in 1841 and went on a Mission. Later he was ordained a High Priest.

Late in the winter of 1838 Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri ordered all Mormons to be driven from the State or exterminated. So the Saints created a new home on the Mississippi River. They called it Nauvoo, Illinois.

At Nauvoo John met Harriet Sherwood and married her. She was deaf and dump. They had four children who all died as infants. They later divorced.

John was a captain of the Militia of the state of Illinois, Nauvoo Legion, in 1842. In 1843 he was elected a constable for Nauvoo. During the same time he started his job of being a body guard for the Prophet Joseph Smith.

One story told about him guarding the Prophet is this. John gained the confidence and trust of Sheriff John Williams. (Williams is also one of my fourth great grandfathers. In 1880 his granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Davis married John D. Parker’s son Charles.) It was under this trust that John obtained secret information of when mobs had planned to attack or threaten to hurt the Saints. He used this valuable knowledge to know when to move the Prophet from one safe place to the next. In one particular event John borrowed a neighbors horse moved silently across the river, and delivered Joseph and his brother Hyrum to a safer place. The mob didn’t find or harm Joseph or Hyrum in their raid that night and the neighbors never even knew their horse was missing, and had taken part in a life saving adventure.

Brigham Young asked John to watch the mob movements. Both John D. Parker and Shadrach Roundy were selected to helping move those living outside of Nauvoo. These families and their goods would be safer in Nauvoo. A temple was being built and Nauvoo had become the largest city in Illinois. Saints from all parts of “American and Europe were gathering there.

The anti-Mormon sentiment was growing in Illinois. In 1844 the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum came out of hiding to help the people. They, along with John Taylor and Willard Richards were jailed in Carthage, Illinois. The Governor of Illinois promised them safety their. While they where in the jailers bedroom a mob of hundreds rushed the jail. Some ran up the stairs and shot through the door killing Hyrum and wounding John Taylor and Joseph who was near the window. Joseph was also shot by bullets coming through the window. He fell out the second story window to his death. Brigham Young then became the leader of the Church.

John married two of Shadrach’s daughters in the Nauvoo temple on February 3, 1846. [Polygamy has not been part of the church since the Manifesto of 1890.]

Almeda Sophia Roundy was born in Spafford, Onondago, New York. She had lived in Ohio and Missouri with her parents Bestey Quimby and Shadrach Roundy as they followed the Prophet Joseph Smith. She and Samantha were two of the Roundy’s six daughters and four sons.

Sophia was 17 when John D. Parker asked for her hand in marriage. The proposal was excepted with the understanding that he would mary both she and her well loved sister, Samantha. Their Mother Bestey always said that if anyone would marry one of them he would have to marry them both, because Samantha was not a strong child and needed Sophia.

It was in February of 1846 that the first wagons left Nauvoo for a safe and peacful place in the west. They crossed the Mississippi and started across Iowa. When the ground thawed the wagons got stuck in the mud and it took months to cross Iowa. It was decided that a settlement would be built on the western boarder of Iowa. It was called Winter Quarters near Kanesville.

Two of Sophia and Smantha’s sisters in-law had been kill by mob violence in Nauvoo. They helped care for the four motherless children. Until one died and was taken back to be buried next to its Mother.

The next spring 1847 Brigham Young took the first group to find a place in the west. John and his wives were ready to leave with the first group.

Since John was a great wagon maker. Brigham asked him to stay at Winter Quarter and build wagons for others to use in crossing the plains. To be safe they moved to Kanesville, Pottowami , Iowa. They ended up staying there five years. John was the County Sheriff during that time. Also three of their children were born at Kanesville. They were Jared, John , and Malinda. Jared died, this brought much grief to the family. John’s wagon making ended when his shop caught fire making him lose two wagons, hundreds of dollars worth of wood in seasoning, oils, paints, and all of his tools. He had provided 13 wagons for crossing the plains. This event made the family feel it was time for them to make their own journey across the plains.

They joined up with the Abraham D. Smoot company. The journey was harsh, because the weather was hot and the company was stricken with cholera. Those who didn’t suffer the illness tried to care for the sick. One method used was to dip the sick into cool water. Then they concocted a paste of whiskey and flour , which the sick drank. Of the 68 who got sick 14 died. The dead were wrapped in blankets and buried. Sophia was caring for the a sick father of ten when he died. The widow and Sophia became close friends.

They met with buffalo stampedes that scared them but did little harm. In the after noon hours the women walking along next to the wagons would gather dried buffalo chips so they could build fires to cook their dinner.

They arrived in Utah August 28, 1852. They settled in Centerville, Davis, Utah, with their five member family, a wagon, four oxen, and two cows. They settled there because Lorenzo W. one of Sophia’s brothers was living in Centerville. One year after they got to Utah, John and Sophia’s son Charles was born.

All John’s education paid off. It helped him to be elected to serve two terms in the Legislature, and one as a Probate Judge. He was a assessor and a collector.

Mary Ellen was born in Centerville in 1857 and Betsey Jane followed in 1859. Otho was born in Weber Valley, Morgan county in 1862.

Serving in the Army at age 13 wasn’t the end of him participating in that sort of thing. When he was in his 60’s his granddaughter claims John fought with a sword in the Civil War some time between 1861 and 1865. Some of the soldiers of the US Army occupying Utah at that time were called to fight in the Civil War. John could have joined them.

John owned a Revolutionary War sword that he loved. He might have used it in the Civil War. After the Civil War he must of been involved in the Indian Wars of the 1860’s in Southern Utah.

In 1864 John’s family, was called to settle Kanab in Kane County. In 1865 at Chicken Creek in Juab County Lauretta was born. [Kanab was disbanded in 1866 because of the Indian wars. Then resettled in 1870 by others.] It was in 1866 John and Sophia lost their son Otho and daughter Mary Ellen both died of Scarlet Fever.

From Kanab the family moved to Kanarraville (north) in Iron county. Then to the rebuilt location. The Parkers built a log cabin on the N. E. corner lot, on the block that is N. E. from the church square. The family was raised in that cabin. Later they bought a house from Doc. Brown. (In 1866 Lorenzo W. Roundy was Bishop at Kanarraville. In 1876 he was accidentally drowned in the Colorado River and never found.)

When the US Marshals came in search of polygamists John talked to them but wasn’t taken away. The federal government had passed a law outlawing polygamy. The Marshals were sent to Utah Territory to enforce the law. How could the polygamist husbands and fathers leave their families? Many men were put in prison, and many others went into hiding.

In the History of The Church there is a story of Brigham Young’s trip from St. George back to Salt Lake City when he was to be put on trial for polygamy. Brigham stopped at Kanarraville and John D. Parker asked him not to return to Salt Lake City. When Brigham left John “wept like a child” he was so worried about the Prophet Brigham.

John was very kind to both his wives, his daughters and his daughter in-law Elizabeth. (Charles and Elizabeth are my great great grandparents.)

Most of the responsibility of caring for the family was placed on Charles’ shoulders. John was 48 when he started raising this family and 52 when Charles was born. Their son John died at nineteen. Eight days later their youngest child Samantha was born, John was 72. Loretta died in 1880 at fifteen.

John did all he could to care for the family like shucking corn, chopping wood, and feeding the stock. Sophia did the gardening and milking. Samantha did the housework. Hauling the wood and the farming was left to Charles.

John didn’t save a lot of money, but he paid a full and honest tithe and helped the needy, especially the widowed families.

John, in his later years, was seen cracking and eating Pottowami Plum pits in substute for his broken tabacco habit.

John died at age 92. He loved sitting by the warm crackling fire, with his cat on a little stool next to him. That last cold winter John caught pneumonia. He went outside to chop wood and brought in a load of wood, sat down next to ”Kitty” and took his last nap. He left his two wives, one son and four daughters.

The grandchildren and great grandchildren called Sophia “Big Grandma” and Samantha was “Little Grandma.” When Samantha was nine years old she fell from a load of hay. This caused her to never grew any taller than she was at age nine. Samantha never had children, but Sophia’s children loved her as much as Sophia. The two were almost never apart.

Younger women loved to call on the two sisters to listen to their many interesting experiences.

They attended quilting parties and weddings. They loved to sew, in fact it was all done by hand, because they had no machine. They also enjoyed spinning and weaving. Much of their time was spent caring for the sick. Because of the good example of the two sisters a neighbor was converted to the church. She knew the gospel was true because of the goodness of their lives and examples.

Both Grandmas lived their last years on the ranch in Kanab with Malinda Sophia’s daughter. Little Grandma died in 1906 after a stroke. Big Grandma died in 1912 at age 83.

Sources:
1. Together Again - An Autobiographical History, (about 1975) by granddaughter Sophia Parker Stapley, with Histories by Malinda Parker Roundy daughter (1930) and granddaughter Ester Parker Robb
2. Laura E. Parker Wood photos in the possession of Lark Wood Reasor
3. Church History in the Fullness of Times, published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
4.The Pioneer Heritage CD-ROM
5.LDS Collectors Library 1997