Whiteside County Biography

William Parker
Rock Falls


William Parker, editor and proprietor of the Rock Falls News, is a native of Maysville, KY born in 1835, and is a descendant of the pioneers of that state. Commenced the printing business at the age of 15 and served three years in the office of the Ripley bee, at Ripley, Ohio, afterwards served two years in the job office of the Cincinnati Enquirer. He came to IL in 1855 and commenced the publication of a paper at Salem in Marion County and has been steadily engaged in the business ever since.

Mr. Parker entered the volunteer service of the US army as Lt. of Co. A, 75th IL Vol. Inf. at Dixon in 1862 and served till the close of the war being promoted as Captain soon after going to the front. After the war closed he was commissioned Brevet Lt. Col. for meritorious services on the field. He came from Old Kentucky "emancipation" Whig stock, joined the Republican party at it organization.

Mr. Parker was married in Salem to Miss Ella Bond, in 1856. Miss Anna F. parker, thier only living child is interested with her father in the publication of the News.

Both self and wife are of Presbyterian and Congregational stock. He is Senior Vice Commander of WIll Robinson Post No. 274, G.A. R. and has been twice elected to the State Encampment of that order.

Portraits & Biographical Pg 230

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