Lawrence-Pike County KyArchives Biographies.....Parker, Berry Walter March 6, 1878 - August 22, 1953 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ky/kyfiles.html ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Rita Parker http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00021.html#0005073 March 13, 2007, 10:57 am Author: Rita M. Parker Berry Parker was the 8th child (of 9) and 5th son born March 6, 1878 to Frank and Phoeba. By the 1880 census of Cherokee, the Parker family was complete. The last child and son, Drew, was born July 10, 1880 (just days before the census man visited). Berry Parker's young adulthood is marked by mystery and conjecture. While most of his brothers remained in Lawrence County, even after the death of their parents, Berry struck-out to Pike County. The family has many versions of the scandalous acts of a young Berry Parker before he got religion. Hattie Parker’s daughter, Celie belle (Celia) Parker Thacker relates a version of how young Berry arrived in Pike County. Lore states he traveled to Mississippi and found work as a foreman on a large estate. It was here he met his first wife, Celia Bays or Baize. They were said to have returned to Lawrence County from Mississippi; where he stayed until her death in 1906. After Celia's death it is believed that he stabbed a black man who refused to work. Grace Slone, daughter of Berry's son Tommy Parker, states the family has talked about Grandpa Parker arriving at Pike County after hopping a train to avoid prosecution after stabbing the man with a sugar cane knife. (Louisa Public Library Genealogy librarian Clarice Kelly researched train schedules in August of 1908. She wrote: the paper "...mentions a C & O freight train had trouble aboard. another mentions railway mail service on the C & O, Ashland to Pikeville.") The Ohio Parker family’s story is that Berry killed a man over the love of a black woman, and changed his name from Swetnam to Parker while fleeing from Lawrence County to Pike County. This writer has tried to piece together Berry's early adulthood through scant records she could find. By 1900 the Parker family lived on the 175 acres father Frank purchased on Cherokee Creek in 1888. Berry and Celia married March 25, 1898. Berry was 22 years of age Celia was 14. According to their marriage certificate, however, Celia was born March 1884 in Johnson Co Kentucky. In spite of the romantic story of Berry having met Celia in Mississippi, it would appear they met and married in Lawrence Co KY. According to the 1900 Census, Berry, Celia and Eva, their daughter, lived and farmed next to Frank and Phoeba. Frank and Phoeba had Gemima (age 29, married to Puckett) and her daughter, Phoeba Jane, 4 years of age living with them. The following year (1901) Berry's sister Gemima would marry John Sprouse and have 5 children by him. Brothers Drew and Edford lived in Webbville on Twin Fork according to the the census of 1900. Drew, wife Alice and daughter, Dora E. were listed as farmers. The oldest son, Edford, was also listed as farming. Brother Garred Parker, wife Julia Rivers and their 11 children lived near the Parker homestead. Miniard Harrison, known as “Hack” Parker raised 10 children in Lawrence County. Hack had 2 wives: Josephine Parker and Genoa Grubb. Reuben Parker also married twice: Susan Ross and Mollie Slone. Reuben had 9 children by the two women. Between 1899 and 1904 Berry and Celia had 3 children: Eva, Theodore “Teddy” and Hattie. Berry traveled from Lawrence County to Pike County after the deaths of his wife Celia and their 4th child. Celia died during or after childbirth, November 1906. Celia would have been 22 years of age. Cedebelle Thacker (whose mother was Berry’s third child, Hattie) went with her mother to the Parker Cemetery in 1950 to visit Celia and her baby’s graves at the Parker family cemetery on Parker Fork in Cherokee. Berry met Vina Elizabeth Slone after Celia's death about 1910 in Pike County. It is said that he met Vina while he was working at her brother, Joe's sawmill. Vina is recorded in both 1910 census': Pike County, living with her parents and in Lawrence County, living near Berry's parents on Cherokee Creek. This writer had not been able to locate a marriage certificate for Berry and Vina in either Pike or Lawrence Counties. It is possible they never married, as Vina had two illegitimate children by the time she met Berry. Vina’s father was Flemmon Slone (born 1817 Floyd Co KY) whose parents were Archibald Slone (born 1785 - 1794 in Pittsylvania Co. VA) and Nancy Justice (born about 1818 in Pike Co. KY). Arch and Nancy were married May 15, 1834 in Pike Co. KY. Nancy Justice had 8 children by Archibald. Flemmon was the 7th. Nancy also had an illegitimate child: Gilmore Justice born 18 February 18, 1831 in Logan, Pike Co. KY. Gilmore died July 14, 1899 in PIKE Co. KY. He was buried on Lower Pompey, Pike Co. KY. Archibald Slone’s father was William Slone (born BET. 1785 - 1794 in Pittsylvania, Co, VA. Died About June 1817). His mother was Mary “Polly” Blackburn. Flemmon married Mary E. Runion October 17, 1872 at Archibald Slone’s home. Flemmon was 20 Mary was 14. They had no children. After divorcing Mary, Flemmon married Nancy Sarah Jane Sloan July 6, 1876. They had 5 children: Sarah (born about 1878 in Pike County, died about 1880), Virginia (born January 1880, died after 1925), Franklin Apperson (born February 26, 1882 died May 3, 1963 Pike Co.), Vina Elizabeth (born July 1884 died 1919), and Joseph (born March 1889). In the 1900 Census Vina was living with her parents, brothers, sister and Aunt Louvina in the Forks Precinct in Pike County, Kentucky. She was 15. By age 22 Vina gave birth to two illegitimate children: Robert Slone, born 1904, said to have been fathered by her brother-in-law and Mousey Slone, born 1906, fathered by Bradley Chaney. In the 1910 census Rob and Mousie were living with Vina and her parents. In the 1920 census Rob and Mousie were living with grandparents Flemmon, Nancy and uncle Joe. By the 1930 census Rob lived with uncle Joe Slone and wife Sarah B. The writer has not been able to find Mousie in the 1930 census. In 1910 Berry returned to Lawrence County with Vina to live near his father, Frank, until Frank and Phoeba’s death March 25, 1916. In the 1910 Census, Frank and Phoeba lived with youngest son, Drew, his wife Alice Houck and 6 children. Garred, his wife and 7 children lived next door. Berry, Vina and his three children by Celia lived on the other side of Frank. At the time of Frank and Phoeba’s deaths, in 1916 Berry and most of his brothers lived within walking distance of Parker Fork. Berry’s oldest brother, Edford and wife Jane Liming served the Blaine Community in many ways. Edford ran a blacksmith shop and gristmill on his land on Irish Creek. Edford was also a well-known carpenter who provided caskets for many folks in Blaine. Jane was fondly known as “Aunt Jane”. Jane provided midwifery services throughout her life. Drew Burchett Parker, the Parker's youngest child, married Alice Houck and fathered 7 children by her. It appears Drew farmed most of his life. By 1916 Frank and Phoeba had most of their sons and their families living and farming in Parker Fork. They included Drew, Garret, Reuben “Ruby”, Edford, and Berry. Miniard Harrison “Hack” Parker may also have stayed with Frank and Phoeba, but there is no record of him in the 1920 census that I have found. According to Frank’s death certificate he died several hours after Phoeba, of an asthma and cardiac dilation or congestive heart failure. Phoeba died of hypostate pneumonia. Frank and Phoeba were buried together in a large casket, separated by a board. They buried in the Parker-Boggs Cemetery also known as the Jesse Boggs Cemetery, Route 3394, Caines Creek, Blaine, KY off Rt 32. In 1916 youngest brother Drew inherited the lion's share of the Parker farm. His brothers stayed around Blaine. They no longer lived on Parker Branch. Of the 6 brothers Edford, Reuben and Drew Parker were known to have died in Lawrence County. Edford died November 2, 1945 at the age of 78. Reuben “Ruby” died January 1, 1947. Drew died January 6, 1957. After the deaths of his parents Berry had left Lawrence for Pike County, KY. Vina died May 2, 1919 at the age of 29. She died due to tuberculosis. Berry and Viney had 2 boys and 3 girls: Walter, Willard, Dorcia or "Ocey", Bernice and Effa who died July 5, 1919 at the age of almost 8 months, 2 months after the death of her mother. Within 2 months Berry married Vinas cousin, Polly Ann Slone. According to the 1920 census Berry and family lived on Hurricane Road, next to Shade Slone. In the 1930 Census Berry’s brothers were still living in Cherokee. Reuben “Ruby” (family 82) was working as a laborer. Drew (family 63) was no longer listed as having a farming vocation. He listed “none” when asked what he was doing for a living. Garrett (family 86) appears to be living on part of the the Parker homestead. He was the only brother still describing himself as farmer. Vina was buried in the Fishtrap area. Her remains were moved to Shelbyanna Kentucky, the Anna Young Cemetery 4964 Chloe Road Pikeville 41501 before Fishtrap Lake was created to control flooding in the Pikeville area. Polly Ann Slone was William Slone’s third child. On July 19, 1919 Berry Parker married Polly Ann Slone. Berry married Polly Ann just 2 months after the death of Vina. Berry was 42 Polly was 19. Their Marriage Certificate dated July 5, 1919 states that Berry and Polly Ann lived in Fishtrap. They were married at the bride's home. H.S. Slone, a baptist minister officiated. Alfred and Milton Thacker acted as witnesses. For an unknown reason, Berry lied on the Marriage Bond when he listed his parents as Bill and Jane Parker. Could it be that he was afraid of tipping the "government" off regarding his history? He did truthfully note his birthplace as Cherokee, Kentucky. Berry's marriage to Polly Ann divided the family. Celia and Vinas children have said the young mother was unkind to her stepchildren. She did not encourage her husband to maintain close ties with the children of his former wives. At the end of his life she did not wish him to be laid-out at daughter Hattie's where he was destined to be buried. At the time of the 1920 census Berry Parker and family lived on Hurricane Road, near Edo, what is now known as Kimper. He and family lived next to Shade Slone. Berry and Polly Ann lived with Berry's daughter Eva (21) and her children: Vennie (23 months) and Rennie (newly born) ; daughter Hattie (16) sons Teddy (18), Walter (8), and Tommy (6). Berry and Polly's children Ocey (4), and Bruce (2) also lived with them. According to the 1930 census the Parkers lived in Magisterial district 4 next to Carson McCoy. Berry (54) and Polly (30) lived with Walter (18), Tom (16), Osie (13), Bruce (12), Dixie (9), Rosa (7), Casey (4) and Ethel (2). Berry and Walter's occupations are listed as laborers. They lived on a farm they rented. Old Regular Church records of 1935 list B. W. Parker living near Fishtrap, Kentucky. In 1935 he ministered to the Church in Edo, near Kimper, Kentucky. He simultaneously acted as Clerk for the Fishtrap Church. He also ministered the two Little Hattie Churches he and family built on Jonican Branch Rd in Fishtrap and Venters. The man-made Fishtrap Lake covered the original red and white Little Hattie Church (now Little Flock Church) on lower Jonican Branch in the 1960's. Fishtrap lay near the banks of the Levisa River that regularly flooded in heavy rains. Grandson Berry Parker remembers the violent flooding on lower Jonican Creek. A long, tall swinging, expansion bridge crossed the Levisa River and be torn out during her floods. In 1936, due to extensive damage and flooding, the Army Corps of engineers sought to control flooding in the narrow valleys or hollers through which the Levisa meandered. Family members buried in the flood plain were moved to resting areas above the proposed dam and lake. Before the completion of Fishtrap Lake, Vina Slone’s remains were moved to the Annie Young Cemetery. According to family accounts, all that remained of Vina’s remains were her hair and two hair combs that were transferred and interred. Around 1944 Berry, Walter, Tom and John Thacker built the Little Flock Old Regular Baptist Church. The first Little Flock Church was located in Fishtrap, and destined to be underwater. During the 33 years of their marriage Polly and Berry had 5 girls and 3 boys. They were: Rosa, Casey, Ethel Mae, Gipsy, Margerie, Franklin M, Donald R and Dixie Lee (known as Lee Polly). Berry is remember by his granddaughter Grace Parker (Tom) Slone as someone who rode horses or a mule over the mountains to visit his children Tom and Hattie. (Tom lived with his family on a house on Hattie's land on upper Jonican Branch). Graces' mother Eunice always made him fried cornbread and strong, black coffee. Grace remembers him as a man "who lived life his way. " In spite of having an injured arm, Berry continued to work as a laborer and farmer throughout his life. He is strongly remembered and identified as a faithful lay minister for the Old Regular Baptists, having built several churches for the members around Raccoon. Berry built and preached in is own church in Kimper on Jonican Branch Road. It is behind the hill of the Little Hattie Church that Berry is buried. Toward the end of his life he built a church on Elkhon Creek. The lumber he used was milled by Anse May in Kemper. The church is no longer standing. In 1920 Berry Parker and family lived on Hurricane Road, near what is now known as Kimper, Pike Co next to Shade Slone. Berry and Polly Ann lived with Berry's daughter Eva (21) and her children: Vennie (23 months) and Rennie (newly born) ; daughter Hattie (16) sons Teddy (18), Walter (8), and Tommy (6). Berry and Polly's children Ocey (4), and Bruce (2) also lived with them. In 1930 the Parkers lived in Magisterial district 4 two doors away from daughter Hattie and family according to the census. Berry (54) and Polly (30) lived with Walter (18), Tom (16), Osie (13), Bruce (12), Dixie (9), Rosa (7), Casey (4) and Ethel (2). Berry and Walter's occupations are listed as laborers. In 1935 Berry Parker and family lived in Venters probably on Jonican Branch Road off Rt 195. According to an Old Regular Baptist Obituary Berry, at the time of his death August 22, 1953 had three children living at home near Regina, Kentucky: Margie, Frank and Lee Polly. Berry died of a heart attack. Berry was buried at the Little Flock Church (formerly Little Hattie Church) on Jonican Branch. His son Teddy and son-in-law Mitchell bore the burden of the expense. Polly Ann lived 97 years, dying August 25, 1997 in the home of son Frank whose house was on Johns Creek west of Kimper. Franks home was razed to build a coal mining office. Photo: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ky/lawrence/photos/bios/parker367gbs.jpg File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ky/lawrence/bios/parker367gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/