Biography

Robert John Parker (1837 - 1903) was born in Hobart. He began his legal career being articled to the firm of solicitors, Messrs Roberts & Allport. He was admitted to the Bar in 1858.

The following year he moved to Launceston and joined the long-established firm of Gleadow & Ritchie in 1860, which eventually became Ritchie & Parker Alfred Green & Co, a legal practice that continues in Launceston to the present day. He eventually became president of the Northern Law Society and fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society of England.

His wife was Mary Ann and their eldest son, Robert Lewis, joined the firm with his father. The family attended St. John's Church.

In 1903 Robert Parker died on 11^th March aged 66. In his memory a beautiful brass lectern was given to St. John's Church for use in the chapel. An inscription across the top of the lectern reads:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND IN MEMORY OF
ROBERT JOHN PARKER OF LAUNCESTON
BORN 1837 DIED 1903

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