Arthur's young adult life remains a puzzle. He is not recorded on the 1911 Census or the local directories, but he is on the Electoral Roll for Farndon(above) where he is resident in Deva Terrace, Farndon in 1915. Did he move away from the village? His brother Frank was running the family Butcher's shop - did Arthur try his luck elswhere?
There is even the suggestion that he emigrated to New Zealand as there is an Arthur Parker of the Auckland Regiment on the war memorial in Chester Town Hall. This particular Arthur's mother was also Annie Parker, but of 9 Market Street, Chester. If Arthur did emigrate then return for the war, why would he be back in Farndon and his mother away from her family in Chester? This is the war record for Arthur Parker (click here), but I am not convinced. It may well be him, but more research is need before this can be confirmed.
Arthur is not listed on the absent voter's list for Farndon in 1918 (don't forget he was listed on the Farndon Electoral Roll for 1915) - it is likely he had died by that date.
His brother Frank, however, is on the absent voter's list. He was serving as a Private in the Army Service Corps (service number 347571). There were at least another eight Farndon men in the A.S.C., which may reflect their background and the skills acquired in their rural occupations. He was discharged (reason unknown) in 1918, returned home and continued to run the Butcher's shop in the village. He had two children and died in 1938. He is buried in Farndon churchyard.
Research continues! |
Brief family tree for the Parker family in Farndon
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