Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
PARKER, David G. - Burlington
Among the early pioneers of this town may be mentioned the
PARKER family. Alexander Parker was of English origin; his
grandfather was from England, and settled in the New England
States. Alexander was a native of Rhode Island, and was born
Jan. 8, 1768. His father's name was Elisha Parker, and was born
Aug 6, 1746, in Rhode Island; his mother's maiden name was Miss
Maria ELLSWORTH, and was born near Plymouth, Mass. They
had eleven children, all born in the New England States.
Capt. Elisha Parker served as a captain during the Revolutionary
war. Soon after the year 1800 he and his wife and balance of
family settled in Burlington on a part of the farm now owned by
their grandson, David G.; here they continued to reside until their
death. Mrs. Elisha Parker died Sept. 24, 1828, and he died March
19, 1813. Alexander was reared a farmer, and when a boy he
worked out by the month to aid in the support of his father's large
family. Thus he worked until he was of age, and for one year
thereafter he continued to work by the month in order to get a
little money to begin life. In 1790 he settled on the farm now owned
by his son, David G., at West Burlington. While still a small boy
he was a waiter in the Revolutionary war. He married Miss Joanna
GARDNER, a daughter of Abraham Gardner, of Pownell, Vt., Feb.
17, 1793. She was born Aug. 28, 1777, in Pownell, Vt. By this
nine children were born, - Abram, Polly, Elisha, Ira, Betsey,
Mehitable, Alexander, Jr., Sarah, and David G.; four are dead.
Alexander Parker, Sr., was a one time a very large landholder, and
gave each of his sons one hundred acres of land, besides the
necessaries, tools, and stock to commence farming. In politics, a
Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church
for more than fifty years. Mr. Alexander Parker's first wife was a
sister to his second wife; her name was Sarah GARDNER, and
they were married about Jan. 1, 1791, by whom one boy, David,
was born Oct. 29, 1791. He died March 7, 1793. Mrs. Sarah
Parker died May 27, 1792; Mr. A. Parker died Feb. 27, 1845;
Mrs. A. Parker died June 22, 1860.
David G. Parker was born on his present farm at West
Burlington, Nov. 29, 1822. He received a common-school
education. He lived with his parents until their death. He married
Miss Susannah BOLTON, May 27, 1852. She is the daughter of
Lemuel and Ruth Bolton, and was born in Burlington, Otsego Co.,
N.Y., July 14, 1817; her parents came from Pownell, Vt.
By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. David G. Parker five children
were born, namely, Ella M., born Sept. 16, 1853, and came to her
death June 15, 1859, by being caught in the bars while climbing
through them, which caused her neck to be broken; her mother was
the first to see her little daughter and rescue her lifeless form; Issac
B., Dexter A., Otis M., and Ruth J. H., all are living and at home.
Mr. Parker is a farmer by occupation, and one of the leading
stock-growers and dealers in the county. He is the owner of more
than 330 acres of good land, besides property in the south. Mr.
Parker is one of the most enterprising citizens of the town. He
began life poor, but by industry and frugality he has to-day a
pleasant home, and is surrounded by four intelligent children. In
politics he is a Democrat; he never desired any political office, but
preferred the quiet of home. He has made all the improvements on
his fine farm, a view of which may be seen elsewhere.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 108