Henry J. Parker

    Henry J. Parker, son of John and Elizabeth Parker, was born July 2, 1818, in Tioga County, New York. He worked for his father during his minority, and in 1837 the family settled in Lawrence County, Ohio, where, in 1839, he married Miss Susanna S., daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Walton, by which alliance they have nine living children -Eliza C. McCoy, Samuel A., Henry A., William W., George F., Hiram C., Louisiana Bell, James C. and Franklin. Mrs. Parker's father was Surveyor of Lawrence County for thirty-two successive years.

    In 1840, Mr. Parker emigrated to Indiana and settled at Williamsport, Warren County, where he followed coopering and became County Recorder. In 1855, he removed to Iroquois County, Illinois, bought and improved some land and remained until 1873, when he settled at Ambia, then containing but seven buildings, and he being the first seller of goods. After four years, he sold his stock and rented his building, and for several years has been express agent at Ambia for the Lake Erie & Western Railroad. Mr. Parker was for eight years Commissioner of Highways in Illinois. He is a Democrat, and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.