| J. B. Parker was born in Williamson County, Tenn., in 1839, and is one of eight children of John M. and Emily (Moss) Parker, and a grandson of John and Dolly (Goodwin) Parker. The grandfather was born in North Carolina in 1774, and died in Mississippi in 1856, his widow following him in death a few years later. John M. Parker was married in 1836, his wife being born in Virginia in 1814, and a daughter of Henry and Abbie Moss. The father of our subject was born in Montgomery County, Tenn., in 1810, and is now residing at Chestnut Bluff, and is a farmer by occupation. His son, J. B., received the most of his education at Chestnut Bluff Academy. In 1865 he married Cornelia, daughter of Samuel and Vergilia S. (Anderson) Oldham, who were born in Virginia, January 8, 1821, and May 23, 1822, respectively. The father came to Tennessee in 1833, and was married November 5, 1843. He was a graduate in law, but never practiced, preferring to follow the life of a farmer. He died July 28, 1861. His widow is residing with Mrs. Parker and is a daughter of Harrod J. and Matilda W. (Hope) Anderson, born in Virginia in 1796 and 1800, and died in 1861 and 1867, respectively. Mrs. Cornelia Parker was born August 27, 1844, and became the mother of ten children: Cornelia O., Virginia A., James S., William D., Juliet, Mollie E., Laura A., E. Garfield, Annie M. and Clyde. Mr. Parker owns 500 acres of undoubtedly the best farming land in Crockett County, and his business ventures have met with good success. Since 1876 he has been magistrate of his district. At the age of nineteen he read law with C. C. Moss, but did not practice until within the last ten years, when he has engaged somewhat in that profession. He is a man well known and much esteemed for his many good qualities, and in politics is an ardent Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for John Bell, being a Whig at that time. He has been a Mason for many years, and has taken all the degrees of honor conferred by that order. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. |
