Wilson Parker

Pioneer Cemetery

The Wilson-Parker Pioneer Cemetery is a historic burial site located along the north side of Julian Avenue, behind the homes along the east side of South Emerson Avenue. This small, grassy area, surrounded by aged Osage orange trees, serves as the final resting place for members of the Wilson and Parker families, among others.

Early History

In the fall of 1821, John Wilson entered 80 acres along the west-central edge of Warren Township, Marion County. He built a cabin and, along Centerville Road, established a tavern. When the National Road later passed through the area, Wilson relocated his tavern and inn to what is now the northwest corner of East Washington Street and Butler Avenue. In 1873, Aquilla Parker, Wilson’s son-in-law, sold most of the land to Chester G. Bartholomew, except for the family home and cemetery.

Known Burials

Only 10 known burials have been recorded from the stone markers in the Wilson-Parker Cemetery. Inscriptions include:

• Jacob, consort of Elizabeth Caylor, died May 12, 1844, aged 67 ys & 3 ms.
• Sarah, wife of John Parker, died Sept 29, 1845, aged 62 yrs, 6 m & 12 d.
• Rebecca Jones, wife of Timothy Orr, born Feb 18, 1776, died April 27, 1847.
• Harriet, daughter of J & C Caylor, died Dec 22, 1847, aged 9 yrs, 7 mo & 22 ds.
• John Latham, died July 9, 1849, aged 62 yrs, 7 ms & 12 ds.
• Sarah L., daughter of A & R Parker, died April 18, 1851, aged 4 years, 1 m & 11 ds.
• Mary Ann, wife of Jeremiah Kealing, died May 4, 1851, aged 18 y, 10 m & 24 d.
• Joseph W, son of Joseph & Angelina Parker, died Sept 27, 1854, aged 1 y, 10 m & 5 ds.
• Ida, daughter of A & R Parker, died Sept 19, 1867, aged 2 yrs, 6 ms & 4ds.
• Rebecca, wife of Aquilla Parker, died Jan 1, 1871, aged 47 yrs, 9 ms & 23 ds.

Additionally, John Wilson, the cemetery’s namesake, passed away in May 1840 and was likely one of the earliest burials. His wife, Dorcas (Tabitha) Jones Orr Wilson, was buried there in April 1853. Oral histories suggest that Wilson’s Native American servant, Machage Wilson, was also interred here. Other unmarked graves may exist, including John Mitchell, a Revolutionary War veteran whose remains were later moved to McVey Cemetery, and Henry A. Ellenberger, an infant who succumbed to smallpox in 1853.

Legends and Local Lore

Stories surrounding the cemetery include the account of a mysterious traveler who died while staying at the Parker Tavern. The stranger, carrying a suspiciously heavy trunk covered in speckled calfskin, was observed digging in the area before falling ill and passing away. When his trunk was opened after his burial, only a change of clothes and a few scraps of paper were found, fueling speculation that he had hidden treasure somewhere in Irvington.

Decline and Rediscovery

By the early 20th century, the cemetery fell into neglect. Henry Clay Parker, Aquilla Parker’s son, arranged for the reburial of his family members in Crown Hill Cemetery in 1904. As time passed, the original headstones disappeared—some were taken into private yards, while others became lost. The cemetery grounds became a gathering place for local youth, including Butler College students who held clandestine meetings among the headstones.

Preservation Efforts

Today, the Wilson-Parker Pioneer Cemetery is under the stewardship of the Irvington Historic Landmarks Foundation. While the original markers are no longer intact, efforts continue to document and preserve this important historic site as a testament to the early settlers of Irvington.