For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 474
J. E. PARKER....An attractive residence in Moscow and six valuable lots are the visible evidence of a life of industry, perseverance and thrift on the part of J. E. Parker. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 10th of July, 1852, a son of Emerel and Mary ( Parker ) Parker, who were also natives of the Keystone state, where the latter passed away in 1853. After the death of his first wife Emerel Parker went to Indiana, where, in 1864, he was again married and continued to make his home. By his first union there were eight children, as follows : Ruth E., deceased ; C. R., of Pennsylvania ; Mary, also deceased ; Ellis and Martha, both residing in the keystone state ; Richard, who has also passed away ; Emma, the wife of James McDonald, of Muscatine county ; and J. E., of this review.The last named, but six months old at the time of his mother's death, was taken to the home of an uncle, Lot Parker, by whom he was reared until he attained his majority. He attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education. His practical training was obtained in the fields during the periods of vacation, and amid the busy activities of rural life he learned many lessons concerning the value of industry, energy and perseverance. He became thoroughly familiar with the best methods of plowing, planting, and harvesting, and the comprehensive experience which he acquired under the direction of his uncle stood him in good stead when, upon attaining man's estate, he started out independently in life, wisely choosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. His financial condition at that time not permitting of the purchase of a farm of his own, he operated a farm in the capacity of renter for about six years---years characterized by unfaltering industry, earnest toil and the utmost economy. His efforts, however, were not unavailing, for at the expiration of that period, he became the owner of eighty acres of good farm land in Moscow township, upon which he made his home for four years. Renting his property, he removed to Moscow, where he has since made his home. Here he purchased the lots on which he has since built his present residence.
In 1873 Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Lovisa Smith, who was born in Muscatine county December 20, 1855. She is a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah ( Drake ) Smith, natives of Ohio and New York, respectively, who came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1852 . Here her father entered land in Goshen township which remained the home of the family for several years. The Smith family consisted of six children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker have been born three children, namely : Luna V., the wife of Charles Fryberger, of Moscow township ; Effa L., who married Charles S. Haines, of Cedar county,Iowa ; and Benjamin L., a student of the University at Ames, Iowa.
A stanch advocate of the principles of the republican party, Mr. Parker is deeply interested in all matters relating to the public welfare. He has been called to public office, having served his township as assessor for six years, which position he is still filling. He is a well known and prominent figure in fraternal circles of the community, holding membership in blue lodge No. 167, A. F. & A. M., at Wilton Junction, Iowa, in which he has filled nearly all of the chairs. He also belongs to the Modern Brotherhood of America, and he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star No. 365, while his son Benjamin Parker, is a third degree Mason. The family is well known in Moscow, occupying a prominent place in the society of the town, and their home is the center of a circle of warm friends. Perseverance, diligence and integrity have constituted the guide posts in the life of J. E. Parker, bringing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his fellow townsmen, and he is now numbered as one of Moscow's representative and valued citizens.
Back to Biographical Index Page