Joseph Floyd Parks

b. 17 February 1846, d. 1 July 1914
  • Joseph Floyd Parks was born on 17 February 1846 in Oak Bowery, Chambers County, Alabama.
  • Isaac C. H. Parks and Martha Salome Stoneham appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1850 in Chambers County, Alabama. Other members of the household included Joseph Floyd Parks. Also in the household were children Mary (age 15), Henry (13), Sarah E. (10) and Lucinda (9), as well as Jane Shrsham (30) and Thomas Gresham (13).
  • Isaac C. H. Parks and Martha Salome Stoneham appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Grimes County, Texas, enumerated next to Dialthea Haynie. Other members of the household included Joseph Floyd Parks. Also in the household were children Erastus (age 9), Carolin (7), Eddridge (3) and Charles (1), as well as the overseer, named Livingston (age 24).
  • Joseph Floyd Parks died on 1 July 1914 at age 68 in Stoneham, Grimes County, Texas.
  • The following appeared on 2 July 1914 in The Bryan Daily Eagle and Pilot: Brief mention was made in The Eagle yesterday afternoon of the death of Mr. J. F. Parks, which occurred two minutes after 12 o'clock at Stoneham, Grimes County. His death was so sudden, so unexpected, the entire community was shocked when the news came by wire and it became known over the city. He was in his usual health and had gone out on a regular business trip, his business being that of a traveling salesman. He was at Navasota and went to Stoneham by train and was stricken with something like vertigo about 9 o'clock, soon after his arrival. He was given immediate medical attention and everything possible was done for him, but to no avail, death resulting at 12:02 p. m. His family here was notified by wire immediately after he was stricken and as quickly as possible left by automobile for his bedside, accompanied by Dr. H. L. Fountain, the family physician. All possible haste was made, but the race was all in vain as death had resulted before they arrived. Mr. Parks was in the store of his cousin at Stoneham when stricken, and was not among strangers, which is a great consolation to his family. He lost consciousness in about fifteen minutes after being stricken and sank rapidly until the end came.
         Mr. Parks was born at Oak Bowery, Chambers County, Alabama, February 17, 1846, and was therefore 68 years, 5 months and 14 days of age at his death. He came to Texas with his father's family when seven years of age and settled in Grimes County, later removing to Washington County. In September, 1869, he was married to Miss Helen Garrett, daughter of Judge O. H. P. Garrett, a pioneer family of the historic County of Washington. Five chidlren were born to this union, all of whom, with his widow, survive him, as follows: E. F. Parks, Bryan; J. F. Parks Jr., Dallas; E. C. Parks, Dallas, and Mesdames J. W. Dyer and John A. Moore Jr., Bryan. The bereaved household hae the profound sympathy of all in their great sorrow.
         Mr. Parks came to Bryan in 1886 from Brenham and was engaged in the livery business for a number of years. After retiring from the livery business he engaged as a commercial traveler, which he followed to the day of his death, carrying out the Biblical injunction to be vigilant in business, literally dying in the harness.
         At the age of 17 J. F. Parks kissed his mother goodbye and entered the Confederate army in tyhe defense of his home and the South, the land of his birth. He was a member of Chisholm's regiment in Majors' brigade, Texas cavalry, and was attached to Green's division, Trans-Mississippi department. He was later transferred to Walger's division, infantry, his last service being as a clerk in the commissary department. No braver soldier ever went forth to battle for home and country than J. F. Parks, and notwithstanding his tender years, he laid all he had, himself, on the altar of his country. The "cross of honor" with which the Daughters of the Confederacy decorated him in later years, was among his most highly prized possessions, and this cross, together with a Confederate soldier's spotless record, are the most priceless heritages bequeathed to his children.
         As a man and citizen, Mr. Parks measured up to the highest requirement. He was quiet and retiring by nature, yet true to every obligation, and by his honorable and upright life, enjoyed the full confidence and esteem of all who knew him. As a husband and father he was gentle, tender and universally kind, but at the same time exercised the paternal authority with firmness and kindness so interwoven that his children loved and reverenced him, and now that he is gone they rise up and call him blessed. He was a member of the Baptist Church of many years' standing and was truly a Christian gentleman. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, Ancient Order of United Workmen and Camp J. B. Robertson, United Confederate Veterans. The funeral was held this afternoon at 5 o'clock from his late residence under the auspices of Brazos Union Lodge No. 129, A. F. and A. M. His old comrades of Camp Robertson attended as an escort of honor. The religious services at the home were conducted by his pastor, Dr. M. E. Weaver.
  • Last Edited: 23 Mar 2014