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Lemuel L. Parker,
successfully engaged in stock-raising and the dairy business on
his fine farm of two hundred and eighty acres on sections 3 and
4, Oneida township, was born in Sherbrooke county, province of
Quebec, Canada, February 28, 1838, his parents being James and
Harriett Lowell Parker, natives of Massachusetts and Vermont
respectively. He comes of good old Revolutionary stock, his
paternal great grandfather, Aaron Parker, of Marblehead,
Massachusetts, having enlisted at the age of fourteen to fight
for the independence of the colonies. While on board a privateer
he was captured and for a time was confined in a British prison
at Halifax, Nova Scotia. He finally made his escape and returned
to Marblehead. He lived to the extreme old age of ninety-nine
years and our subject recalls him distinctly. He and his family
accompanied a colony on their removal to Quebec, Canada, at an
early day. Our subject's maternal great grandfather was also a
Revolutionary soldier, being under the direct command of General
Washington. James Parker, the father of our subject, died in
Canada, but the mother afterward came to Iowa and passed away in
Wright county. Of their seven children only two now survive;
Lemuel L.; and George W., who is represented on another page of
this volume.
Lemuel L. Parker was reared and educated in Canada, remaining
there until twenty-three years of age, when in the fall of 1861
he came to Iowa and settled in Delaware county. He purchased a
farm on sections 3 and 4, Oneida township, where he still
resides, and during the half century that has since passed has
made many improvements, converting the land into one of the best
farms of Delaware county. Everything is kept in good repair, the
buildings are substantial and of pleasing design and a fine grove
greatly enhances the beauty of the property. Mr. Parker devotes
considerable attention to dairying and stock-raising and as he
thoroughly understands the business has met with most gratifying
success.
In February, 1861, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to
Miss Julia D. Rider, a native of Canada and a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Abner Rider, both of whom are deceased. Of the four children
born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Ida and Willard H. have passed away.
A. J. is living on the home farm and C. H. is engaged in the
automobile business in Winthrop, Iowa.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and
contribute of their means to its support. Mr. Parker believes
that the platform of the republican party is best adapted to
secure the continued prosperity of the country and supports its
candidates at the polls. For many years he has been a director of
the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company and has filled the offices
of school director and trustee. He is a man of commendable public
spirit and has the confidence of those with whom he is brought in
contact. |
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