David Parker, deceased, formerly a resident of Garden Plain Township, came to Whiteside County in 1836. His father, Abel Parker. was the pioneer of the territory now designated Garden Plain Township, whither he came in August of that year and built a cabin on a claim in the timber, situated on section 25, and afterwards known as "Parker's Grove," and whither he removed his six Sons and three daughters soon after located, serving as a haven of rest and comfort for the hungry and weary travelers who sought this portion of Northwestern Illinois. The place bore no distinctive mark as a hostelry, but a post in its vicinity, bearing the painted inscription "Parker's," was the guaranty to a wearied traveler that food to appease his hunger, and a bed whereon to rest his tired frame, were close at hand. It served the same purpose until 1865, a period of 25 years.

David Parker died Feb. 20, 1876. His life of nearly 40 years' duration in Garden Plain Township was one of honorable, useful effort, and he reaped substantial reward in his accumulations and a permanent place in the memory of the people whose interests and well-being he never forgot. His relations with the public were based on the principle that whatever substantiates the general interest is the best possible safeguard of individual prosperity. At the time of his death he owned 480 acres of land in the township of Garden Plain, which was all in fine agricultural condition. He was also the owner of 74 acres of valuable timber in the same town and a considerable acreage in IA and MN. The thrift and industry, which are the leading traits of the agricultural element of his native State, characterized his noble life, and he had the peculiar aversion to holding office which is a marked characteristic of the class to which he belonged by birth and descent. When the school matters of Garden Plain Township were adjusted, he was made one of the first three Directors in the township, and that was the only official position he could ever be induced to hold.

He was always what was called "forehanded," and operated in a private way as a banker, making loans and dealing in financial paper. He was no usurer, and never in all his transactions took advantage of another's pressing need to secure his own interest. It was common with him to say, "I only want my 10 per cent." He was careful concerning security, but he never pressed a debtor to extremity. He never foreclosed a mortgage, or refused time to enable a delinquent to meet his obligations. After his death, outlawed notes were found among his papers, which were made by perfectly good and responsible parties, and could have been collected without difficulty, but which, for reasons known only to himself, he had suffered to become null. In political sentiment he was an earnest Republican from the organization of that party to the day of his death.

Mr. Parker was married in Garden Plain Township, June 1, 1852, to Elizabeth, daughter of Ichabod and and Mehitable (Kempton) Shurtleff. Mrs. Parker was born May 1, 1822, in Orleans Co., Vt. Three sons and a daughter were born to David Parker and his wife. Charles D. married Amanda Sutherland, and has lately become a citizen and business man at Fulton. Henry L. died when six years old. Lizzie and Herbert live at Fuiton with their mother. In January, 1881, they started with her on a European trip, which consumed two and a half years, and during that time they visited England, France, Switzerland, Italy and Germany.

Mrs. Parker fixed her residence at Fulton in 1876, soon after the death of her husband. She is one of the pioneer women of Whiteside County, where she is widely and favorably known. She participated in the hardships incident to the early settlement of this Western country, cheerfully aiding her husband in his undertakings and contributing largely to his success. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Garden Plain.

Portrait and Biographical Whiteside Co IL Pg 377

David Parker was born in Wells, Rutland county, Vermont, December 12, 1811, and came with his father, Abel Parker to Whiteside county in 1836. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Shurtleff, in Garden Plain, the children of the marriage being; Charles D., Henry L., Lizzie, and Herbert. Charles D married Miss Amanda Sutherland, at Fulton, January 6, 1876, and lives on the old homestead at Garden Plain Corners; Henry L is dead, and Lizzie and Herbert live at Fulton. At the death of Abel Parker, David, being the eldest son at home, took charge of the estate. He was always a careful manager, a thrifty, hard working man, and during his lifetime accumulated a large property, owning at the time of his death four hundred and eighty acres of finely cultivated farm land, and seventy- four of timber. Mr Parker could not be induced to accept office, preferring to attend strictly to his private business. He died February 10, 1875.

Bent & Wilson History of Whiteside County Page 213