Colonial Families of the United States of America: Volume 3 page 382

[p.382] JOHN CORTLANDT PARKER, known throughout his business life as Cortlandt PARKER, b. 27th June, 1818, at Perth Amboy; d. 29th July, 1907, at Newark, N. J. He was recognized as the foremost lawyer in New Jersey. A member of Trinity Church, Newark, for seventy years, and a Vestryman for fifty years. Entered Rutgers College, 1832, at fourteen years of age, and graduated with first honors in 1836. Studied law in the office of Hon. Theodore FREYLINGHUYSEN, and admitted to the Bar in 1839. Was offered the post of Justice of the State Supreme Court, and also a Judgeship in the Court for settling the Alabama Claim, which he declined. President HAYES tendered him the mission to Russia, and President ARTHUR that to Vienna. These and a nomination to Congress he also declined. To him New Jersey is largely responsible for the passage of the General Railroad Law. He was six times a Deputy to the General Convention of the P. E. Church. His scholarly attainments and literary labors won for him the degree of LL. D. from Rutgers College, and from Princeton University. m. at Morristown, N. J., 15th Sept. 1847, Elisabeth Wolcott STITES, b. at Savannah, Ga., 11th Apr. 1827, d. at Newark, N. J., 1st Jan. 1907, dau. of Richard Wayne STTTES, b. 24th Nov. 1802, d. 7th July, 1877, m. 31st Aug. 1824, Elizabeth COOKE. He was the son of Richard Montgomery and Mary (WAYNE) STITES. Richard Montgomery STITES was the son of Richard STITES, wounded at the Battle of Long Island, d. Sept. 1776, descended from John STITES, b. in England, 1595, d. in Hempstead, L. I., 1717, aetat. 122 years.