WILLIAM F. PARKER

Sacramento County

Biographies

WILLIAM F. PARKER

William F. Parker, deceased, formerly a farmer, was born in the city of Murfreesborough, Hertford County, North Carolina, February 10, 1826. From 1838 to 1849 he followed the sea, being steward of a ship in the West India trade; also made a few trips to foreign countries. During one of these journeys he came into the port of San Francisco in 1849, stopped here and became cook at Mormon Island for the miners. A year afterward he went upon the old Patterson place, on the American River, and began farming. Although it was a new industry to him, he soon found that he liked it, became enthusiastic in the calling and therefore successful. He purchased the present homestead of 320 acres in 1857, and lived there until his death, April 9, 1887. His marriage to Margaret Lindsay was celebrated March 26, 1862. The widow is now conducting the farm. They had four children: Fanny, wife of C. V. Osborne, a prominent teacher in this locality; Alice M., also a teacher here; Dorsey W. and Benjamin J. They lost one daughter, Annie L., at the age of nineteen, in 1883. She was a well educated young lady, having a first-grade certificate for teaching. Mr. Parker was an active member of the Baptist Church, being several years deacon. The church building where he worshipped is situated on his farm. The society here was once a strong one. He also took great interest in educational matters. Although he was in early life left an orphan and was deprived of a school education, he saw the necessity of such education and did all he could for the cause. He was a jovial and good-natured man, and kind and indulgent in his family. He gave his wife’s mother a home to enjoy her declining years; they were very considerate of each other’s welfare. For the last three years of his life he was an invalid, afflicted with consumption. Mrs. Parker was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, and when she was fifteen years old her father, V. D. Lindsay, died in 1854. In 1861 she came to California with her mother, who died in December, 1872.

Transcribed by Karen Pratt.

Davis, Hon. Win. J., An Illustrated History of Sacramento County, California. Pages 525-526. Lewis Publishing Company. 1890.

Sacramento County Biographies