ROBERT R. PARRY. POULTNEY, RUTLAND COUNTY, VERMONT.
Robert R. Parry, husband of the late Catherine E. Parry, and father of Arthur, Myfanwy, Idris, Edward, Blodwen, Elved, Lewis, Gladys and Ifor, passed away in his 90th year at his home in White Plains on December 5th.Mr. Parry was born in Llanberis, North Wales, October 8th, 1862. He lived in North Wales until he was 26 and was married in 1883. During this period Mr. Parry studied music and was organist at Capel Gorphwysfa. He belonged to a musical circle which included several distinguished musicians: Dr. Joseph Parry, Ieuan Gwyllt and the Rev. E. Stephen, Tanymarian. Dr. Parry was the composer of "Aberystwyth." Robert Parry was the first musician to play this famous tune in public, and at the request of the composer.
In 1888 the Parry family came to America and settled in Seattle, Washington. With his father, Mr. Parry founded the first Welsh Church in the city. The family lived for some time in San Francisco and Colorado before coming to South Poultney in 1893. Until 1906 Mr. Parry was active as a slate operator and pioneered in the development of the automatic washing machine, holding basic patents. During his residence in Middle Granville, he was organist at the Welsh Presbyterian Church. He has resided in New York City, Forest Hills and White Plains since leaving this area, but he enjoyed returning to the Mettowee Valley to visit old friends. Mr. Parry trained his children in vocal music and they sang as a family choir in public gatherings.
A funeral service was held at the Ballard-Durand Funeral Home in White Plains on Sunday afternoon, December 7th, the Rev. John Owen, M.A. of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, New York City, officiating.
Internment was in the fmaily plot in the Poultney Cemetery. The committal service was conducted by the Rev. Richard W. Evans of the Welsh Presbyterian Church, Granville, who paid a fitting tribute to the Christian life of the decedased and recited a Welsh hymn. There was a profusion of floral tributes.
Mr. Parry was a most noble and worthy character. He was always active in religious circles. He faithfully served his Lord and Master and earned the promise, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works to allow them." (Rev')
Bydd myrdd o ryfeddodau
Ar doriad boreu wawr,
Pan ddelo plant y tonau
In iach o'r cystydd mawr,
Oll yn eu gynau gwynion,
Ac ar eu newydd wedd
Yn debyg idd eu Harglwydd
Yn dod i'r lan o'r bedd.