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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 109 - 110 |
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JOHN T. PARKER
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Successful farming is an art not acquired alone from the reading of books, although agricultural literature will always prove to be a most valuable auxiliary in the hands of the reflecting and experimenting tiller of the soil. The great book of nature is, however, the alpha and omega of the wise farmer's true literature, and the lessons therein studied impart the knowledge which leads to triumphant mastery of this oldest of all industries. John T. Parker, the subject of this review, is one who had the good fortune of early studying and practicing the art of agriculture in such a manner as to secure substantial and permanent results and the story of his modest career is well worthy of perusal. John T. Parker, a resident of section 6, Selma township, is a native of the state of Michigan, born in Sanilac county, September 6, 1858. His parents were Thomas and Rosana (Surbrook) Parker, who were the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the fifth. The mother died in 1867, when the subject was only nine years of age, while the father resides in Sanilac county, and is a farmer, being in politics a Republican. In his native county of Sanilac John T. Parker was reared and educated in the common schools until he reached the age of seventeen years. By that time he had become very conversant with farm labor and was considered a good agriculturist himself. In those days the terms of school each year were short and the seasons of labor on the farm long, so that while he gained a fair knowledge of books, he acquired much more of plowing, harrowing, sowing, planting, reaping and harvesting. He was a prudent, provident youth and, combining these very desirable qualities with industry, he early gave promise of the success which he has since attained. In the autumn of 1876, when barely eighteen years old, with a comfortable little sum of money in his pocket, he came to Wexford county and secured employment for the fall and winter, while looking for a desirable investment. In the early spring he found a good forty-acre tract of land that was for sale and bought it, it being located in section 18, Selma township. After making some improvements, he sold it at a nice margin of profit, and immediately purchased a tract of land in section 6, same township, erected a modest home, made some other improvements, and lived there two years, when he disposed of it also. About this time Mr. Parker became impressed with the notion that while the real estate business was profitable, it necessitated too many removals. He therefore decided to get out of it, by buying a place that suited him and holding it at such a figure that no one would care to buy. Accordingly he purchased forty acres in Boon township and later another forty-acre tract across the line in section 6, Selma township, where he established his home and where he has since resided. This eighty-acre farm he has splendidly improved, seventy acres have been cleared and are in a most desirable state of cultivation. Good buildings have been erected and the place has been supplied with every appurtenance necessary for good farming. July 29, 1878, in Selma township, John T. Parker was united
in marriage to Miss Charlotte L. Frank, a native of New York, born in Erie
county, July 28, 1862. Her parents were Levi and Marietta (Michael) Frank, both
natives of the Empire state, and both are deceased. To John T. and Charlotte L.
Parker five children have been born. One son, Owen F., died when about two years
old, and the living children are Thomas H., Lulu J., Erma E. and Reba M. The
life of John T. Parker has been too busy a one to give him either time or
inclination to dabble in politics. He has given to politics, therefore, all that
good citizenship required of him and no more. |