Sgt. William H. Parker

Sgt. William H. Parker

D Co.     1st Conn. Cav.

   Enlisted April 14, 1861.
   Aged 24 years.
   Mustered out April 2, 1865.

        Post war;
   Moved to Elgin, Ill.
   Awarded a pension of $6 per month for Deafness in the right ear attributed to his service.
   Worked at the Watch factory.
   Joined GAR Veteran's Post #49 July 20, 1886.

   Obit; Sept. 7, 1923 issue of The Elgin Daily News.
   William H. Parker, one of the city's oldest residents, died yesterday afternoon at 3:15 o'clock at his home at 166 North Spring street at the age of 86 years.
   Mr. parker was at one time one of the oldest employes of the Elgin National Watch company, and in 1917, after thirty-four years of service, was retired on a pension.  He was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and of the Sons of Veterans.  His service in the civil war started April 14, 1861, when he enlisted in the first Connecticut Cavalry, the regiment with which he served until the close of the war, April 2, 1865.
   He was born at Washington, Conn., Nov. 13, 1837.  Aug. 27, 1883 he entered the employ of the watch factory.  In 1866 he was married to Clara Converse of Walworth, Wis., who died two years ago last August.  He is survived by his son, Herbert F Parker and one grandson, Arthur Parker, both of this city.
   The G.A.R. will have charge of the funeral services Sunday morning at 8:30 o'clock at the late home.  Rev. George T. Green will officiate.  Interment will be at Walworth, Wis., at 1 o'clock in the afternoon.

   Buried at Walworth, Wisc.

Used with permission Dan Mallett

Members of Post 49 sewed watch faces to their ribbons to show they were from Elgin.