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Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 221 - 222 |
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LYMAN E. PARKER
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An enumeration of the men of the present day who have won
success and recognition for themselves and at the same time have honored the
locality in which they reside would be incomplete without due notice of the
subject of this review, Lyman E. Parker. Clearly defined purpose and consecutive
effort have been among his more prominent characteristics and his standing today
as one of Selma township's most enterprising agriculturists and one of the
county's truly representative citizens is cheerfully conceded by all who know
him. Lyman E. Parker, who resides on a part of section 24, Selma township, Wexford county, was born in Wyoming county, New York, August 26, 1847. When he was two years old his parents moved to Erie county, New York, where they took up their residence and engaged in farming. There he grew to manhood, received a fair education and acquired a knowledge of the mercantile business. In starting out in the world to provide for himself he went into Cattaraugus county, New York, where he established himself in business and where he prospered for two years. Having made up his mind that there were better opportunities in his line in the west, he made all necessary arrangements and moved to Coopersville, Ottawa county, Michigan, where he opened out in the mercantile business and did a thriving trade for four years. He then sold out and moved to Dorr, Allegan county, Michigan, where he engaged in the hardware business, which he continued until January, 1882, when he came to Wexford county. Some time previously he had purchased eighty acres of land in section 24, Selma township, though he later sold forty acres of this. On this tract he established a home and it has been the place of residence of the family since. Seventy-six acres more have been purchased since, making a snug farm of one hundred and twelve acres. About sixty acres have been cleared and the place is well improved, being all that one could desire in a modest, comfortable home. In Sardinia, Erie county, New York, on the 25th day of December, 1866, Lyman E. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Hattie L. Hosmer, a native of New York, born in Erie county, April 10, 1847. She has proven herself an amiable, worthy wife who has been a most valuable assistant to her husband in his various business ventures. They first engaged in housekeeping, a number of years, in their native state and the wife accompanied the husband in his removal to Michigan. They are the parents of four children, viz: Cora M., Grace M., Clarence U. and Ruth E. Cora, who had taught in Wexford county, was the wife of A. E. Tilyon, resided in Huntsville, Alabama, and died December 25, 1891, when thirty-two years of age. Grace M. is the wife of Orlean Denike and resides in Selma township. Ever since he became a citizen of Wexford county Lyman E. Parker has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare and development of the locality. He has served as justice of the peace a number of years, discharging the duties of that position most efficiently. he has also served as township clerk and township treasurer for two terms and has always been found faithful and trustworthy in all that he has undertaken. He is a member of Lodge No. 33I, Free and Accepted Masons, at Cadillac, and takes an active interest in the work. He and his wife are both members of the church of the Disciples of Christ. Both are persons whose standing in the county is above reproach, the parents of a worthy family and the occupants of a home that is the model of domestic courtesy and refinement. |