My family research has taken me to a Robert (possibly Roger) Parke who was
a close friend and business associate of Sir Roger Jones of Ruthlin,
Denbigshire, Wales. They both appear in Sligo, Ireland around 1609 but
may have been there earlier. Sir Roger Jones was married to Mary Smith of
Crackmarsh, Stafford, England and Robert/Roger Parke was married to Sir
Roger' sister, Alice Jones. Sir Roger died in Sligo, Ireland on 12 August
1637. His father was Griffith Jones of Ruthlin, Denbigshire.
Both Robert Parke and Sir Robert Jones received sizable grants of land in
Ireland's counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and elsewhere. No doubt these
grants were given for service to the Crown. They build Dunally House,
remodeled Parkes Castle in Newtown, Co. Leitrim, established another castle
in Banada, Co. Sligo, and built St. John's Church in Sligo Town.
The closeness of their relationship indicates they may have come to Sligo,
Ireland about the same time. It also indicates they had a great
friendship and working partnership before settling in Ireland and perhaps
in the Denbigshire area.
I have just joined the list and would greatly appreciate any information
anyone may have relating to these settlers in Sligo. And, of course, I
will be happy to exchange what information I have.
Patrick Parkes
Corpus Christi, Texas