F. M. Parker, farmer; P. O. Rardin; born in Edgar Co., Ill., March 18, 1849; he is the eldest son of Wm. M. Parker, who emigrated from Kentucky, and located in Edgar Co., Ill., in the year 1829; he died in Coles Co. Feb. 14, 1873; his mother was born in Co., and emigrated with her parents, and located in Coles Co. in 1828; the subject of this sketch remained with his parents, and assisted in farming, until 20 years of age, when he was employed as farm-laborer for about four years; he first commenced farming for himself in 1871, in Edgar Co., and the year following in East Oakland Tp., Coles Co.; he removed upon Sec. 5, Morgan Tp., in December, 1873, where he has since successfully followed farming. He married Sept. 14, 1871 to Sarah J. Roberts; she was born in Muskingum Co., Ohio, March 11, 1848; she is daughter of Thomas Roberts, whose biography appears in this work; they have four children by this union-Rhoda A., born June 30, 1872; James W., born May 1, 1874; Cara A., born May 21, 1876; Dora R., born April 29, 1878. Mr. Parker has held the office of Road Overseer for two years, and Collector of Morgan Tp. for 1878.
