Herbert E. Parker Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1056-1059 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				HERBERT E. PARKER. 

	Herbert E. Parker was well known as a valued resident of Sioux 
Falla. He saw the possibilities for advancement and improvement in the 
city and ever labored to make these a reality. It was not so much the 
success he achieved that gave him high standing in business circles as 
the progressive methods which he followed and the honorable policy 
which he pursued. He was born in Sparta, Wisconsin, July 22, 1863, and 
spent his boyhood days upon the farm there, early becoming familiar 
with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. 
After mastering the branches of learning taught in the district schools 
he became a student in the high school at Boscobel, where he was 
graduated In 1882 he came to Sioux Falls, where he worked as a 
journeyman carpenter. He afterward found an opening in the restaurant 
business and turned his attention to that pursuit. Subsequently he 
became a guard at the South Dakota penitentiary, where he remained for 
three years. He then entered the coal and wood business and later he 
engaged in the ice business with his brother, John, the association 
being maintained until 1906, when our subject withdrew, his brother 
continuing the business. Herbert E. Parker remained in the coal, wood 
and feed business, was the first man to engage in the wholesale seed 
business in South Dakota and at one time was for six years in the 
employ of the Standard Oil Company. He was industrious and energetic 
and was also straightforward and reliable with firm belief in the 
golden rule, which he ever endeavored to follow in the conduct of his 
business interests. People who gave him their support knew that his 
word was to be depended upon and that his promises would be kept and 
his obligations met. He therefore gained an enviable reputation and his 
business record constituted an example well worthy of emulation. 

	In 1883 Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Clark, a 
native of Minnesota. They became the parents of seven children, who are 
yet living, Nellie A., Harry E., Bessie H., Effie R., Burton L., 
Margaret K. and Teddy Hugh. 

	Mr. Parker was prominent in Masonic circles, holding membership 
in Unity Lodge, No. 103, A. F. & A. M., of which he became a charter 
member. He served as junior warden for a number of years and refused 
higher positions on account of the pressure of business duties. He was 
also connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Knights of 
Labor and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and in his life 
exemplified the sterling principles of those organizations. In his 
political views he was independent, voting for men and measures rather 
than party, while his religious connection was with the Congregational 
church, which found in him a consistent and faithful member. He was a 
public-spirited man, withholding his endorsement and support from no 
measure that he deemed would prove of public value and benefit. A 
fitting epitaph for him would be the words of the philosopher that "an 
honest man is the noblest work of God."