Edward Parker (1822-1887)
Edward Parker (1822-1887) of Charles Parker and Sons
Born 1822, son of Charles Parker, he was a partner in his father’s firm, Charles Parker and Sons, manufacturers of textile machinery.
He left Charles Parker and Sons in 1856 and established his own business as a flax merchant at 22 Cowgate, Dundee.
In 1863 Edward bought the West Mill (also known as Quarry Mill), Lochee with the intention of re-equipping with Parker's power looms.
1864 The mill was described as a spinning and weaving establishment, being powered by 2 engines and containing 1124 spindles, 12 power looms (Parker’s Patent) and employing 170 hands.
1867 A slump hit Dundee as America sold off surplus stocks of jute and linen as very low prices. Towards the end of the year, Edward was unable to pay his creditors and a meeting determined that his estate should be wound up under inspection. The mill failed to sell as a going concern and the machinery was sold and removed.
Edward returned to working as a flax merchant in Cowgate.
Following his father’s death in 1867, Edward rejoined Charles Parker & Son.
With the Franco-Prussian War, the jute trade recovered quickly. In 1872 a new firm was established in partnership with his brothers Frederick Carr Parker and Robert Overend, trading as Edward Parker & Company, with the intention of equipping Parker’s Ladybank Machine Works as a spinning mill.
Slump returned in 1876, the mill stood idle and later that year a fire damaged the mill. Frederick left the partnership and at the end of the year it was dissolved, leaving Robert to unwind the business.
Edward died in Penketh on 25 Jul 1887.