Parker, William H

Parker, William H.

a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was born in Virginia in 1799. His parents, who were Presbyterians, removed to Ohio while he was still a boy. In that new and stirring population he developed into an active and industrious man. Many of his neighbors sent their produce every autumn to New Orleans in flat-boats. The love of excitement and a curiosity to see that semi-tropical region, and the hope of bettering his fortune, induced him to go frequently to that distant city, and he became so familiar with the river-bed that he was finally employed as a pilot; after a time he learned the trade of a cooper, and for many years, both in Ohio and Kentucky, carried on the business. He was fully grown to maturity before he became religious. But when he heard the Methodist doctrine of free grace he was drawn towards the cross. So anxious was he to know the plan of salvation, that even while engaged at his trade he always kept such books as Wesley's Notes and Clarke's Commentaries on his bench, that he might glean some grains of knowledge while for a moment at any time he stopped to rest his body. After joining the Church he soon became class- leader, then local preacher; and as such he was ordained deacon at Maysville in 1854, and in 1859 recommended to the Kentucky Conference. He was admitted, and, having filled his probation, was admitted into full connection in 1860. As a preacher he was studious, faithful, and fill of zeal; as a pastor he was diligent. While on the New Columbus Circuit, where he labored assiduously, both in the pulpit and from house to house, he was stricken down. During his sickness he was patient in suffering, but grieved that he could not be at work. Though he suffered much in body, his soul seemed filled with the love of God. He died May 28, 1871. See Minutes of Annual Conferences of the Meth. Epis. Church, South, 1871, p. 592.