Death o! Mr. W. C. Parker.

The death of this well-known citizen, which occurred about 3:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon, was totally unexpected. Mr. Parker had for some time been a sufferer from some form of heart disease, and had been warned by his physician of the necessity of rest. Yesterday morning he became quite sick, and but a little time before his death dangerous symptoms were developed.

His death causes general regret, for he was a veteran conservator of the peace, having been a police officer for twenty-two years, sharing with officer Blackwelder, of Charlotte, the honor of being the oldest policemen in the State. His age was about 53 years. He was born and raised in Guilford County.

He first held a position on the police force in 1857, when the present , street commissioner, Mr. W. N. Andrews, was chief of police. He served during two years of the war between the states as color sergeant of the 14th Infantry Regiment, North Carolina State Troops, CSA. On his return from service, he resumed his duties on the police force and continued in service almost continuously up to the time of his death. He was color-sergeant of the Raleigh Light Infantry, and at Yorktown last October was color-sergeant of the First Battalion.

He was in all respects a good officer, faithful and efficient, and had done his duty long and well, as all know. But now his tall, familial form will be seen no more in life, for he has gone to join the “great majority.”

The funeral services will behold tomorrow, the Raleigh Light Infantry acting as escort, with the police force.

The News and Observer, Raleigh, NC

Thursday, September 7, 1882

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Funeral of Mr. W. C. Parker : j

The last services over officer W. C. Parker, whose death occurred so suddenly on Wednesday, were held yesterday morning from the First Baptist Church, and were largely attended despite the rain which felt steadily.

The remains were escorted by a platoon of police and by the Raleigh Light Infantry, of which the deceased was color-sergeant, headed by the Oak City brass band. The troops were in command of Capt. John R. Ferrall and Lt. E. F. Smith, and the colors were draped in mourning. The services at the church, conducted by Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Skinner, assisted by Rev. Dr. E. R. Yates, and Rev. J. H. Wheeler, were impressive and at their conclusion, the cortege moved to the old cemetery, where Dr. Skinner performed the last rites of the church.

The troops then fired three volleys of musketry over the grave. The offerings of flowers were beautiful, the Raleigh Light Infantry contributing a very handsome anchor and cross. The handsome casket in which were the remains was borne by the following gentlemen: Maj. C. D. Heartt, Dr. Eugene Grissom, Messrs. C. D. Osborne, George W. Wynne, N. S. Harp, J. B. Jordan, A. Creech.

The News and Observer, Raleigh, NC

Saturday, September 9, 1882

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