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ALLEN PARKER'S OBITUARY OLD "POP" PARKER IS FREE FOREVER Former Slave, Known to Many Worcester People, Dead     Allen or "Pop" Parker, as he was familiarly known to thousands of students, business men and factory employes, [stet] past and present in Worcester, died in his home, 17 Orchard street, at 12.05 o'clock this morning.     Mr. Parker was 66 years old and one of the best know colored men in Massachusetts. He had been in poor health since last fall, and had been confined to the house for the last two months.     He was born in Newbern, N. C., and his early days were spent in slavery. He was freed by the emancipation proclamation, espoused the cause of the north and saw active service in the navy. He came to Worcester in 1866 and had lived in this city constantly since 1888. He made his living by selling popcorn and candy in the schools, offices and factories about the city. He manufactured his goods himself and had many customers.     He also had published several years ago a small phamplet, a large number of copies of which were disposed of among his friends. It told of his life as a slave.     He went to Europe in the summer of 1904 and enjoyed a three months trip.     He was a member of the Pleasant street Baptist church and a frequent attendant at Zion church. He was also a member of George H. Ward post 10, G.A.R. The funeral will be held in Zion church at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Burial will be in Hope cemetery.     He leaves a widow, a son-in-law, Charles Coates, and a daughter-in-law, Lillian R. Wilkins. SOURCE: Worcester Evening Post; 18 June 1906, Page 1   The funeral of Allen Parker was held from Zion A.M.E. church at 2.30 o'clock this forenoon. The Rev. B.W. Swain officiated. There were prayers in the home, 17 Orchard street, previous to the church services. Burial was in Hope cemetery. SOURCE: Worcester Evening Post; 20 June 1906, Page 3 RETURN TO TOP