Biographical Sketch of

Albro R. Parker

Transcribed by Char Eckman



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 569 - 570

Albro R. Parker, who for the long period of forty years has resided in Waushara County and is now engaged in general 
farming on section 11, in the town of Marion, was born in Charlestown, Vt., April 1, 1836, and is a son of Ira and 
Letitia S. Parker, the former born July 1, 1811, and the latter on the 24th of September of the same year.  Their 
marriage was celebrated in Grafton County, N. H., and soon afterwards they settled in Vermont, where were born unto 
them four children, namely:  Jane A., wife of N. E. Hobart of Cherokee County, Iowa; Josiah, who enlisted in a Missouri 
Battery, died during his service in a hospital in Fayetteville in 1863; A. R. is the next younger; and Ira I., who was 
a soldier of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, died in Cherokee, Iowa, from disease contracted while in the army; Emma who 
completes the family, was born in Wisconsin and is now the wife of George Leach, also of Cherokee.

The year 1817 witnessed the arrival of Ira Parker and his family in Wisconsin.  The journey was made by way of the 
lakes, the party reaching Oshkosh, then a mere hamlet, in the month of June of that year.  They there resided until 
the fall of 1819, when, removing to Waushara County, Mr. Parker made a claim on section 11, in the town of Marion on 
what is known as Indian land.  There were but six families then in the town and the entire county was in a wild and 
unsettled condition.  He became one of its prominent and influential citizens and was Chairman of the Board of his 
town for many years.  He supported the principles advocated by Jackson in early life, but joined the Republican party 
on its organization.  His death occurred Aug 11, 1862, his wife surviving him twenty years, she having died Dec. 18, 
1882.  Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and led earnest and consistent Christian lives.

The subject of this sketch was reared among the wild scenes of the frontier, having come to Wisconsin during its 
territorial days.  He was then but eleven years of age and was a lad of thirteen years when he became a resident of 
Waushara County.  His education was acquired in the schools of his adopted State, and he remained at home until 1861,
when he entered the service of his country as a member of the 38th Wisconsin Infantry, being mustered in at Madison.  
He joined his regiment in front of Petersburg and participated in the most important engagements toward the close of 
the war.  For eight months he was stationed in front of Petersburg and after Lee's surrender participated in the capture 
of Richmond.  With his command he then marched to Washington and helped to form the picket line which surrounded that 
city when it was supposed that Booth, the murder of Lincoln, was hiding there.  He was mustered out near Washington, 
in June, 1865, and on receiving his discharge in Madison, returned to his home.

When the war was over Mr. Parker rejoined his family in Waushara County and once more resumed the occupation of farming. 
He had been married on the 3d of July, 1857, to Sarah E. Vidal, daughter of John L. and Sarah (Ingraham) Vidal, the 
former a native of New York City, the latter of Pittsfield, Mass.  With their family they emigrated to the West in 1848 
and settled in Walworth County, Wis., but two years later became residents of Waushara County, where they remained until 
the close of the war, when they became residents of Ft. Scott, Kansas, where the death of Mrs. Vidal occurred in 1866.  
The husband is still living and makes his home in Ringgold County, Iowa.  He also was a soldier of the late war, in 
which he served two years as a member of the 16th Wisconsin Infantry.  He enlisted as a private, but on account of 
meritorious conduct and bravery displayed on the field of battle, was promoted to the rank of Captain.  He was wounded 
in the side by the concussion of a shell and on account of disability was mustered out.  His son, John L., was a member 
of the 5th Wisconsin Infantry and served with credit to himself and his command.  His death was caused by disease 
contracted while in the army.  Another son, Joseph, was also one of the "boys in blue" and died while in the defense of 
his country at Memphis, Tenn.  The family of Mr. and Mrs. Vidal numbered nine children, four of whom are living - 
Rosalie, widow of George Moor, who now resides in Fort Scott, Kansas; Sophia, wife of Frank Bruckett, of Imogene, Iowa; 
Kate, wife of Warfield Bruckett, of St. Joseph, Mo.; and Sarah E., wife of our subject..

Three children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Parker - Jane, who is now the widow of George Jennings; 
John, who married Miss Mary Sheldon; and Edwin, still under the parental roof.

In his social relations, Mr. Parker is a member of Ed. Saxe Post, G. A. R., of Wautoma, and politically is a stalwart 
Republican.  He has been honored with the offices of Side Supervisor, Treasurer of the Town and Chairman of the Town 
Board.  He came to the county before the advent of railroads, when the homes of the settlers were widely scattered and 
the greater part of the land was still in its primitive condition.  He has watched the progress of events, the upbuilding 
of town and county and has participated in the development of the fine farms for which Wisconsin is noted.  An honored 
pioneer, a leading farmer, a worthy citizen and an upright gentleman, are epithets which describe the character of our 
subject.

 




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