THOMAS S. PARKER, a man of strong native talent and excellent business judgment, has large landed interests in Kane township, his possessions aggregating eighteen hundred acres. His fine residence stands as a monument to his business ability, and large and substantial barns and outbuildings, richly cultivated fields and high grades of stock all indicate the supervision of a progressive agriculturist, conducting his interests in harmony with modern methods of farming.
A native of West Virginia, Thomas S. Parker was born north of the Potomac river, in Romney, Hampshire county, February 18, 1837, a representative of one of the oldest families of that state, founded there by his great-grandfather, Job Parker, who went to West Virginia when a young man, settling among the Indians. Because of the pioneer conditions which prevailed he had many exciting times, for the red men proved treacherous and unfriendly and several times he was forced to flee for his life. On one occasion he escaped on his skates on the ice. When he went upon the ice he feigned to be a novice until the Indians felt confident of capturing him, but in reality he was a fine skater, and, being a man of athletic build and much endurance, he managed to make his escape. He continued to make his home in West Virginia, notwithstanding the dangers and hardships incident to the frontier life. Benjamin Parker, the grandfather, was a native of West Virginia and spent his life there, engaged in farming. Different members of the family were extensive stock-shippers of that part of the country.
Jacob W. Parker, the father, was born in Hampshire county, West Virginia, in June, 1801, was reared in the state of his nativity and married Miss Mary Ludwig, who was born in West Virginia, in May, 1801, and was of Pennsylvania German ancestry. On leaving the state of his nativity he came direct to Greene county, Illinois, and settled on Macoupin creek, where he spent his remaining days, devoting his attention to general farming. He died in the year 1872 and his wife in 1867. They were the parents of seven children.
Thomas S. Parker, the sixth in order of birth, spent his boyhood days upon the home farm amid pioneer environment. His educational privileges were limited but to some extent he attended the subscription schools. The remainder of the time was devoted to farm labor and he continued to reside upon the old homestead until his father's death, when he received a quarter section of land as his share of the estate. In 1882 he purchased the General Fry property just across the road from his farm and removed to the elegant residence standing on that farm. There are large barns and other good equipments for the care of grain and stock, and as he has prospered in his undertaking he has made judicious investments in farm lands until he now has eighteen hundred acres, all lying in Kane township. He has engaged largely in feeding stock and feeds between three and four hundred head of cattle annually.
On the 10th of March, 1878, Mr. Parker was married to Miss Lida Gilleland, a native of Greene county, Illinois, and a daughter of Robert Gilleland, one of the pioneer residents and respected citizens of the county. Unto them have been born seven children: Susan C., Mary E., Ruth, Jacob W., George T. and William L., who are still living, and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Parker has had a successful career, and yet there is no secret concerning his success, which has been won through persistent effort, guided by sound business judgment. He shows keen discrimination in buying, selling and handling stock, and moreover he is known to be thoroughly reliable in all trade transactions. His example should encourage and inspire others, for with little assistance at the outset of his career he has gradually worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the most prosperous agriculturists of the county.
Transcribed by: Bertha Emmett