My Genealogy Hound

M. W. Parker, postmaster, Shoal Creek, Ark. Mr. Parker is a representative man of Logan County, Ark., who has attained his property by industry and good business ability, and has won an enviable position in society circles. He was born in Alabama in 1829, and his parents, John and Rachel (Shipley) Parker, were natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively. The parents came to Arkansas in 1842 and settled in Pope County. Their family consisted of ten children, M. W. the youngest, and only two besides our subject now living: Elkana D. and Joshua M. M. W. Parker was but thirteen years of age when he came with his parents to Pope County, and in 1846 he enlisted for service in the Mexican War as a private in Company A, Col. Yell’s regiment. He was in the battle of Buena Vista, had his horse shot from under him, and was mustered out in 1847. Returning home he engaged in farming, and two years later was married to Miss Jemima Jones, who was born in Alabama, and who was the daughter of John and Jencie (Bobbett) Jones. To this union were born seven children, all of whom are living: Mary J., Annie, Joshua, William, Jesse, Olive and Bell. Mr. Parker purchased eighty acres of land in 1851, and afterward homesteaded another eighty acres joining the original tract, all of which he improved by erecting good buildings, setting out orchards, etc. He has never raised less than half a bale of cotton to the acre, and generally more, and seldom less than forty bushels of corn. Mr. Parker was elected justice of the peace in 1872, and served continuously for twelve years. In 1889 he was appointed postmaster at Shoal Creek, and has filled that position in a creditable manner ever since. In 1881 he bought a steam-gin and corn-mill, and in 1882 took in his son, Joshua Parker, as partner. Together they have added new and improved machinery, until they now operate none of the original machinery, all being new. Their gin has a capacity of twelve bales of cotton per day, and they operate a steam-power press. Their corn-mill has a capacity of 125 bushels per day, and their machinery is driven by a twenty-horse-power engine with a shaft 127 feet long. In 1863 Mr. Parker entered the Federal service as a private in Company H, Third Arkansas Cavalry, and was stationed at Lewisburg and Dardanelle. He was mustered out in June, 1865. He is a member of Ellsworth Post No. 12, G. A. R., and was elected senior vice commander at the organization of the post in July, 1890.