William M. PARKER, one of the older pioneers of Howard county, Nebraska, whose farm in Cotesfield precinct has long been noted as one of the model establishments of the farming community in that part of the state, is now retired from active work, although he still makes the homestead his permanent residence.

Our subject is a native of Mount Ayr, Iowa, born August 4, 1858, and was reared and educated there. he remained on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age, afterwards traveling through the different states for about a year and a half, then came into Howard county where his father had settled about 1872. He at once bought homestead rights and took up a tract of land on section eighteen, township sixteen, range eleven, and began farming. He also dealt in stock quite extensively, and remained on the place up to 1904, at which time he removed with his family to Arkansas, where they spent two years, then returned to the home farm, and have since lived here. Mr. PARKER has been very successful in building up his home, having it now in the best possible condition, and there is no more productive or better kept place in the county. The place contains two hundred and sixty-five acres, and is supplied with a complete set of good buildings, well stocked, and is a very valuable property, all of it having been accumulated by the untiring energy and good management of our subject. Lately he has been considerably handicapped front the fact that about three years ago he completely lost the sense of hearing, and has been obliged to use an ear trumpet, although with the aid of this instrument he is able to converse tolerably well with his family and friends. He is recognized as one of Howard county's substantial citizens, and by his earliest efforts and sterling character has gained the highest esteem and respect of his fellowmen.

On August 4, 1884, Mr. PARKER was united in marriage to Mabel TUCKER, a native of New York state, who came to Nebraska several years prior to that time and had been a teacher in the public schools in Howard county. Mr. and Mrs. PARKER are the parents of seven children: Ella May, George M., Jesse M., Edna E., Roy L., Olive Belle, and Ruth Pearl.

Our subject is the oldest of seven children, one of whom is dead, and the balance, with the exception of a sister, who is in Wyoming, live in Howard county. Mr. PARKER has always been prominent in local affairs, and has done much to establish and build up the schools in his locality, serving its moderator of district number fourteen for a number of years.

Source:
Compendium of History, Reminiscence and Biography of Nebraska  p. 640. Alden Publ. Co., Chicago. 1912.