Person Page - 573

       Capt. James/1 Parker was born in England circa 1617 (aged 81 in 1698).² Emigrated in 1638; of Woburn, MA, 1640.³ There he married (1), 23 May 1643, Elizabeth/2 Long, daughter of Robert/1 Long and Sarah Taylor, who died before 1690.^4,5 Resident, 1655–60, of Chelmsford, where 4 children were born.³ At Groton, where he subsequently lived, "James Parker and Joseph Parker, prob. brothers, were original proprietors, the first named owning a fifty acre right and the other a twenty acre right.³ James was a distinguished man and a leader in all public affairs. A sketch of his life and a copy of his will are given in Mr. Butler's History (pages 281–285).³
     "James Parker's house lot lay on both sides of the principal street in the village just south of the small stream which to this day is called, James's Brook, named after him.³ His house was one of the garrisons during King Philip's War and it was with Capt. Parker that the Indian chief, on the night of March 13, 1676 talked, as is mentioned in Hubbard's Narrative.³ In the assault made on the town, July 27, 1694, his son James Parker and his wife, Mary, were killed by the Indians, and several of their children carried away as captives. Another son, Josiah, who was a captain and served in the war against the Indians was in command at Groton on July 21, 1706 when Nathaniel Healy of Newton, one of his company, was 'waylaid' and slain together with Ebenezer Seger of Newton, 'as they were going to Meeting on the Sabbath day.' A brother of Seger's was taken captive at the same time."³
     James Parker married (2), after 1694, Eunice/3w Brooks, daughter of John/2w Brooks and Eunice/2 Mousall, and widow of Rev. Samuel/2 Carter.^6,3 He died before 12 Jul 1700, the date of his inventory.²