Jacob L. Parker, deceased, formerly a farmer of Garden Plain Township, was the second son of Abel and Eleanor (Howe) Parker. He was born Feb. 27, 1814 in the town of Wells, Rutland Co. VT. He was an operator in a woolen mill in his native town and was engaged in the same establishment, coloring and fulling cloth, until 1836. In that year the family removed to Whiteside County. Jacob was next the oldest and came on the lakes in charge of the household fixtures.

On his arrival in Illinois, he made a claim on section 15 of Garden Plain, but made his home with his parents until he was married. He was a mechanic by natural gift, having an intuitive knowledge of the use of tools, and he found general employ as a carpenter and in repairs of various kinds.

He was united in marriage in March, 1839 to Elizabeth, daughter of THomas and Nancy (Carpenter) Baker. She was born Aug. 17, 1823 in Queen Anne Co. MD. David Parker, the older brother of Mr. Parker, had a claim on section 15, on which a log-house had been built, and of this the newly married people took possession. A year later, Mr. Parker built a hewn-log house, which then constituted the aristocratic type of dwelling, and on its completion took possession with his family. Some of the earliest religious services held in the township were conducted in the same building. Mr. Parker had commenced the improvements on his land, and after moving into his house, devoted his entire attention to placing his estate under good cultivation. He erected suitable buildings as time advanced, and at the time of his decease the property had greatly advanced. He died Mach 4, 1881.

Mr. and Mrs. Parker had six children - Mary Eleanor the wife of Delos Parker, of Garden Plain; Hiram lives in central City Col; James L. resides at home; Edwin lives in Sanborn, O' Brien Co., Iowa; Evaline is the wife of John Hodges; Lizzie died in infancy.

Portrait & Biographical 1885 Pg. 754