Person:Jonas Parker (4)

From the book Descendants of John Parker:

At the Lexington homestead there is a large record book containing a portion of the old town records in Lt. Josiah Parker's handwriting. It is therein entered: "Jonas Parker and Lucy Monroe, both of Lex. were published June 30, 1745." This is all that has been found concerning his marriage. Being one of this worthy Monroe family, it may be taken for granted that she was a lady of ability and independence, and that she probably assisted him at a later period in his remarkable devotion to the American cause. They made their peace with the Church Sept. 15, 1745,which must have shortly followed their marriage. They removed to Holden,where he purchased a farm and saw-mill, but returned to Lexington after a few years. It is very fitting to state and very creditable to the physical standing of the Parker family, that Jonas is credited by tradition as being the strongest wrestler in the town. He was a woodworker and farmer.

Jonas Parker was a typical Lexington minute-man. He was tall, well built and possessed great strength. In the celebrated painting, "The Battle of Lexington," which hangs in the Lexington town hall, he appears as the central figure. As he there stands in an erect position awaiting the British charge, the look of determination is well depicted on his handsome face.

He lived in the centre, next house to that historic residence where lived Rev. Jonas Clark, the patriot minister, and which was the destination of the ride of Paul Revere. Mr. Parker had evidently imbibed a double portion of the Doctor's lofty spirit. When war with England was imminent he was often heard to say that be the consequences what they might and let others do what they pleased, he would never run from the enemy. He was as good as his word,--better. On the morning of the 17th of June,1775, having loaded his musket, he placed his hat containing powder,wadding and bullets between his feet in readiness for his second charge.As the first fire from the British was harmless the Americans did not reply. At the second volley he was wounded, and sunk upon his knees; in this condition he discharged his gun. The company of patriots dispersing,his nephew, Ebenezer, who later removed to Princeton, approached Jonas that he might assist his uncle in retreating, but whom he saw was fulfilling his pledge. He insisted that he better retreat with him and thus save his life. But Jonas very forcibly replied that he would never run from the "redcoats." Thus badly wounded, but striving to reload his gun, he was the next moment transfixed by a bayonet upon the spot where he first stood and fell.

Too much pluck had caused his death, but what an example he set for his fellow-citizens!

"History, Roman history," said Edward Everett, "does not furnish an example of bravery that outshines that of Jonas Parker." It was his most sacred wish that America should be free and like brave Arnold of Wilkenried, history will never forget him. The names of the eight martyrs for American Independence are cut deep in the granite monument which stands upon the green; and still deeper in the admiration of the American people. He thus died at the age of 53. April 20, 1835, the remains of these eight soldiers were removed from their former resting-place in the grave-yard and deposited in a vault prepared for the purpose near the base of the monument.

1. ↑ Parker, Theodore. Genealogy and Biographical Notes of John Parker of Lexington and His Descendants: Showing His Earlier Ancestry in America from Dea. Thomas Parker of Reading, Mass., from 1635-1893. (Worcester, Mass.: Press of Charles Hamilton, 1893)
   p. 49.

   Jonas Parker [#8], s/o Andrew Parker and Sarah Whitney, b. 6 Feb 1722, d. at the The Battle of Lexington, m. "summer of 1743" [sic, see discussion on Family page] Lucy Monroe.

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Lexington, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States. Record of births, marriages, and deaths to January 1, 1898. (Boston, Massachusetts: Wright and Potter Printing, 1898)
   p. 57.

   [20] Parker, Jonas, s. of Andrew & Sarah, b. Feb. 6, 1721-22, bp. Nov. 1, 1724.

3. ↑ Lexington, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States. Record of births, marriages, and deaths to January 1, 1898. (Boston, Massachusetts: Wright and Potter Printing, 1898)
   p. 192.

   Parker.
   [96] Jonas, slain at Lex., Apr. 19, 1775.

4. ↑ Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States. Middlesex County, MA: Probate File Papers, 1648-1871. (American Ancestors, 2014)
   Case 16650: Jonas Parker 1777.

   25 Mar 1777: Bond of Jonas Parker, wheelwright of Lexington, as administrator of his late father Jonas Parker of Lexington aforesaid, wheelwright, deceased, intestate.
   29 Apr 1777: Inventory of Mr Jonas Parker Late of Lexington Deceas'd: £ 200.13.4, by Thaddeus Bowman, Thaddeus Parker, John Parkhurst.
   6 May 1777: Appraised real estate of Mr. Jonas Parker of Lexington and set off unto Lucy the s'd Deceaseds widow one third part. Signed by Lucy Parker, Jonas Parker, Philemon Parker, Asa Morse, Polley Parker, Elizabeth Parker, Abigail Parker, Aaron Grant.
   12 May 1778: Account of Jonas Parker Administrator of the Estate of Jonas Parker late of Lexington allowed.
   12 Jan 1779: Further account of Jonas Parker Administrator allowed.
   13 Jan 1779: Judge's decree settling 2/3 of real estate on "Jonas Parker the eldest surviving son of Jonas Parker late of Lexington in said County wheelwright deceased intestate", he paying "the Several children of the s'd deceased viz't. Philemon, Elizabeth, Polly, Sarah, Lucy, Eunice & Prudence"; and a double share to Abigail the only daughter of Nathan Parker the eldest son.
   11 Apr 1788: Petition of Thaddeus Parker "That Jonas Parker of said town [Lexington] was administrator of the estate of his late father Jonas Parker Sen'r of said Lexington in said County, Wheelwright dec'd intestate & died before he had completed his said trust." Requests John Bridge Esq of Lexington as admin. de bonis non. Bond of John Bridge dated 10 Apr 1788.
   9 Jun 1788: Inventory of [remaining] estate of Jonas Parker Senier Late of Lexington: £92:5:0. Debts: £31:4:0.
   13 Nov 1788: allowed accounting of the administrator de bonis non of Jonas Parker Sen'r Late of Lexington.
   15 Apr 1801: Appraisal of real estate set of[f] to his widow for her thirds, now set off to "Philliman Parker a son of the Decased". Judge's decree 21 Apr 1801 orders him to pay "deceased brother Nathan's daughter Abigail" a double share, and single share to remaining "brothers & sisters; viz. Lucy, Sarah, Eunice, Prudence, Elizabeth, Polly & Jonas" or their representatives.