My Genealogy Hound

Richard H. Parker has been a resident of Arkansas since eighteen years of age, having settled in this county during the war, while home on a furlough. He is a son of Richard and Irena (Brown) Parker, natives of Georgia. They removed to Alabama when our subject was a small boy, and settled in Russell County, where they engaged in farming, remaining there until 1857, the time of starting for Arkansas. After coming overland, by wagon, a journey taking eight weeks, they located in Monroe County, on the west fork of Big Creek, where they entered land, and where the father lived until his death in 1863, his wife dying one year before. He was a soldier in the Indian Wars of 1835-36, and he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They had a family of nine children, six of whom are living. Richard H. Parker was born in Talbot County, Ga., in 1839. In 1860 he commenced farming for himself, but the war breaking out he joined the Confederate army in 1861, enlisting in a cavalry company. Three months later they were dismounted and joined Col. Mattock’s regiment, serving in Price’s raid through Missouri. He was captured in August, 1864, while home on a furlough, and sent to Memphis, Tenn., but having taken the oath of allegiance, was released and returned home. He was struck by a piece of shell at the battle of Helena, in the right leg, but was not seriously wounded. Returning to this county after his release, he was without property, and had four brothers and sisters to care for, and what he now possesses has been made since the war. Mr. Parker married Miss Susan Gardner, a native of Mississippi, and daughter of George W. and Stacy (Bounds) Gardner, of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are the parents of eight children, seven still living: Robert F., James R., Francis J., Caledolia, Theadecia E., Thadus A. and India. Mr. Parker settled on his present farm in 1868, and has it now in a good state of cultivation, and is engaged principally in stock raising. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the school board, in which he takes an active part. He is a member of the Masonic order and of the Knights of Honor, and he and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, in which they take a great interest.