Parker, John R. (John Rowe), 1777-1844

Resident of Boston, Mass.

From the description of Papers, 1805-1842. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 20071969

John R. Parker was a partner in two substantial Boston businesses during the early 19th century: Smith and Parker, proprietors of a carpet warehouse, and Parker & Poor, merchants and importers of British goods. The businesses were both located on Long Wharf. Parker belonged to Trinity Church, the Boston Cricket Club, and the Anacreontic Society. Evidence suggests that this John R. Parker was the author of A Musical Biography, published in 1825. Parker was interested in music, and very likely an officer in several cultural organizations. Parker also developed a system of marine telegraph signals which he published in at least four different books.

From the description of Papers, 1802-1844. (Winterthur Library). WorldCat record id: 80264313

In 1817 John R. Parker became the proprietor of the Franklin Music Warehouse in Boston. Hewas able to take advantage of the rising demand for secular music in the former colonies to build his business into the largest music distributor in the United States during the years 1817 to 1821. In 1820 Parker published one of the first music dealer's catalogues issued in the United States. One of Parker's most noted achievement was the publication of the first American journal devoted exclusively to music; it was entitled The Euterpeiad, or Musical Intelligencer.

From the description of John Rowe Parker correspondence, 1802-1840. (University of Pennsylvania Library). WorldCat record id: 669789911