Subscribe..
MATTHEW PARKER
GORED BY A BULL
Matthew Parker of Crowland Township Perhaps Fatally Injured by a Bull on Sunday Evening
[People’s Press, 22 August 1905]
Four ribs on left side, fractured teeth knocked out, severe injury to mouth, right leg pierced by horn just grazing the main artery in the thigh, clavicle dislocated, scapula torn loose from muscles, severe bruises to spine and other parts, is the summary of the injuries sustained to Matthew Parke, who resides a half mile beyond the T.H. & B. bridge, on the river road west of Welland, on Sunday, and who lies at this time in a very critical condition, but who has good chance of recovery even at the advanced age of 78 years, if inflammation does not set in. It was about seven o’clock in the evening when the casualty occurred. Parker was bringing in his cattle, and when about 500 yards from home this bull turned upon him and committed the injury. The cows went home alright but Mr. Parker’s son, becoming uneasy regarding the non-appearance of his father, went out in search and found him lying face down on the ground, covered with mud and blood from head to foot, and his clothing torn to rags. He was taken to his home and, although conscious, has been unable to tell just what happened. Considerable blood lies on the ground at the place Mr. Parker lay, and the ground all around is torn up with the horns of the angry bull. The fracture of the rib was caused by being stamped upon, and the bruises by the bull’s head, while the gore in the leg was the work of a horn, as Mr. Parker had been warned time and time again by the neighbors and by his family, but considered he could manage the bull. Dr. Burgar was called and the injury attended to. The bull is four years old.
A BRIEF SKETCH OF MATTHEW PARKER’S LIFE
[People’s Press, 13 October 1905]
Matthew Parker was born at Biddystone in Wiltshire, England, on the 7th day of July 1833. While quite young he was taught by his father and elder brother the trade of basket and sieve making, which occupation he followed until early manhood. At the age of eighteen, he united in marriage with Miss Livonia Masten; the issue from this marriage was three children: William of Hamilton, Ont., Emma of Jackson, Mich., and Charlie of Detroit, Mich. Shortly after the birth of her youngest child, the tender mother and loving wife was claimed by death.
For his second wife Mr. Parker married Mrs. Ann Bartlett, a widow with two sons, one of whom resides in England yet. To this marriage was born two daughters and two sons, namely Bertha (Mrs. John Bradley} of Arcadia, Mich; Alice {Mrs. E. Chantler) of Pelham, Ont., Harry of Centralia, Wash.; and Fred of Welland. All were born in Welland.
For some years Mr. Parker contemplated going abroad, but was undecided where would be the best place to go. Australia or America. Finally he decided on the latter, and on the 12th day of May 1869, with his whole family, Mr. Parker arrived in Welland, and for the first time in his life he began farming, which occupation he has followed ever since; and in the same house that he slept his first night in Canada there he slept his last on the 7th day of October 1905.
Add A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.