“Marian Parker (III)”

Description

Marian and her sister set out for school. Edward Hickman tells her her father had an accident, and kidnaps her. He demands a $1500 ransom. Her father brings the money, but finds her dead body. The song blames Hickman but does not tell his fate

Notes

This is item dF57 in Laws's Appendix II. Laws lists a total of four Marian Parker ballads (the others are F33, dF56, and dE49, "Edward Hickman"). This, one of two by Andrew Jenkins and appearing in the Brown collection, has the opening stanza, "Now little Marion (sic) Parker, She left her home one day, She started to the schoolhouse, Her heart was light and gay." - RBW

Historical references

• Dec 14, 1927 - Kidnapping and murder of twelve (eleven?)-year-old Marian Parker
• Dec 17, 1927 - Discovery by her father of the girl's mutilated body
• Oct 19, 1928 - Execution of William Edward Hickman for the murder

Cross references

• cf. "Marian Parker (I)" [Laws F33] (subject)
• cf. "Marian Parker (II)" (subject)
• cf. "Edward Hickman (Marian Parker IV)" (subject)

Recordings

• Blind Andy [pseud. for Andrew Jenkins], "Little Marian Parker" (OKeh 45197, 1928) [The flip side is also a Marian Parker ballad, "Edward Hickman"]

References

1. BrownII 256, "Little Marion Parker" (1 text)
2. Roud #4127
3. BI, LdF57