John Parker Biography


	This biography appears on page 499 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				JOHN PARKER. 

	John Parker, who has been engaged in the real-estate business in 
Sioux Falls for some time, is contemplating turning his attention to 
agricultural pursuits, which he formerly followed. He was born in 
Sparta, Wisconsin, July 24, 1865, and is a son of Smith and Clara 
(Most) Parker. His father was one of the pioneer lumbermen of Wisconsin 
and later became a pioneer settler of Iowa, where he engaged in 
farming. He has passed to his reward, but the mother is still living in 
Sioux Falls. A brother of our subject, Herbert E. Parker, was very 
prominent in Masonic circles. 

	John Parker received his education in the common schools and as a 
boy became familiar with agricultural methods through assisting his 
father. In 1882, when seventeen years of age, he came to South Dakota, 
but only remained here for a short time. He returned to Iowa, where he 
remained until 1900, when he came a second time to this state. He 
purchased land in Lincoln county and operated his place for one year. 
He then removed to Sioux Falls, where he engaged in the ice and fuel 
business with his brother, H. E. Parker, for a decade. At the end of 
that time he returned to the farm, which he operated for two years. He 
then sold his property and returned to Sioux Falls, where he engaged in 
the real-estate business. He now intends, however, to again devote his 
time to farming. 

	Mr. Parker was married on the 17th of December, 1883, to Miss 
Martha Crofts, who passed away in 1912. To that union were born the 
following children; Elmer and Walter, both of whom are farming in 
Minnehaha county; Almeda, now Mrs. George Stoner of Minnehaha county; 
Vida, who is living in Sioux Falls; and Edith, who is attending school. 
In March, 1913, Mr. Parker married Miss Mary Colthoff, and they have a 
daughter, Charlotte. 

	Mr. Parker is a republican and has supported the candidates of 
that party since age conferred upon him the franchise. His religious 
faith is that of the Methodist church and he cooperates in the work of 
that organization. He has firm faith in the great future in store for 
South Dakota and holds title to two hundred and forty acres of land in 
this state, to the cultivation of which he plans to give his time. He 
is always willing to do all in his power to promote the material and 
moral progress of his community and his public spirit, added to his 
other admirable qualities, has gained him the esteem and good will of 
those who have been brought into contact with him.