First Lieutenant R. Wayne Parker

First Lieutenant R. Wayne Parker

Captain of the Essex Troop 1899 – 1902

Charter Member – Second Lieutenant

Parker acted as recorder and adjutant at the initial Charter Meeting of the Essex Troop on 3 June 1890. He was an instrumental member of the Armory Committee in 1894 to build the Roseville Avenue Armory in Newark. The armory was finally completed in 1908, 14 years after the initial committee formation.

Parker led the Troop during the New York City parade on September 30, 1899, in honor of Admiral George Dewey’s victory during the Spanish American War. He was in command of the Troop during the state call-up for the Paterson Riots in 1902.

During his tenure as commander, the Troop began training with the regular U.S. Cavalry in joint maneuvers in throughout northern New Jersey and south to Sea Girt, NJ.

Parker served as Congressional Representative for New Jersey from 1895-1923 in four different New Jersey Congressional Districts while in command of the Essex Troop. Captain Parker passed away while in Paris, France on November 28, 1923, and is interned at St. Peter’s Churchyard, Perth Amboy, NJ.