254
Marian Parker
Four ballads in our collection (Nos. 255, 256, 257, 258) relate
independently of each other the kidnaping and murder of Marian
Parker. The twelve-year-old daughter of a Los Angeles banker
was abducted from her home on December 14, 1927. On Decem-
ber 17 her mutilated body was left at the feet of her father, who
had gone to an appointed place carrying ransom money demanded
by her abductor. On December 20 W. E. Hickman was named as
her murderer. Hickman was convicted on February 9, 1928, and
was hanged on October 19 following.
'Marion Parker.' From Mrs. Minnie Church, Heaton, Avery county,
1930.
1 Away out in California
A family bright and gay
Was planning for their Xmas
Not very far away.
2 They had a little daughter,
A sweet and pretty child,
And all the folks who knew her
Loved Marion Parker's smiles.
3 She left her home one morning
For school not far away,
And no one dreamed that danger
Could come to her that day.
4 When the murderous Vilion
All beamed with heart of stone
Took little Marion Parker
Away from friends and home.
5 The world was horrid stricken
And People held their breath
Until they found poor Marion
Her body cold in death.
604 NORTH CAROLINA FOLKLORE
6 And then they caught the coward
Young Hickman was their man
They sent him back to Justice
His final trial to stand.
7 Now People all take warning
Both Parents far and near
We cannot guard too closely
The ones we love so well.