BIO:  James M. Parker, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Peach Bottom Township, Pg 167

JAMES M. PARKER was born in New York City, February 19, 1838.  His parents, Isaac 
and Margaret (Mill) Parker, came to York County in 1857, and here the father 
purchased a lease, in Peach Bottom Township, of what was then called the “old 
quarry.”  After carrying on the business here successfully for some years he 
purchased another lease of a quarry in Harford County, Md., and operated the two for 
a number of years.  They reared two sons and three daughters, of whom James M. is 
the eldest.  He is a graduate of the University of the City of New York, and while 
his father was engaged in slate mining in Pennsylvania, he was general manager of 
the business.  In 1871 he went to Philadelphia as book-keeper in a shoe house, but 
after one year returned to York County, and became the principal of Pleasant Grove 
Academy, near High Rock.  He next accepted the position of book-keeper in a 
wholesale house in Baltimore, and remained one year.  He then resumed the profession 
of teaching, which he still follows, having for several terms had charge of the 
Delta High School.  While the York & Peach Bottom Railroad was being built, he was 
for a time connected with the engineer corps.  He was also the first postmaster 
appointed at Slate Hill, and served two years.  In 1882 he was elected justice of 
the peace in Peach Bottom Township.  He married Elizabeth R. Beattie, June 30, 1859, 
and has three children:  John M., James D. and Margaret A.  He is a skillful 
accountant and is frequently employed in settling estates as well as in 
conveyancing.  The family are Presbyterians and of Scotch-Irish descent.