Legislator Details
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com, 9/13/2025
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Eva A Jewett, dau. of Eben and Mary (Parks) Jewett, 4/13/1876 in Omro, WI; children: 4, Bessie Belle and John Augustus [both died as toddlers], Ulmer and Edna A. (Jolliffe)
Number of Children: 4
Background
Education:
public schools
Biographical Sketch:
Of Scottish ancestry. Son of John and Mary (Hunter) Parks, sr. He enlisted in September, 1862, and served in the civil war, being a member of company A , fifth Wisconsin infantry; in 1864, he was in Co E, 5th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. After his discharge from the army, he purchased undeveloped land in Bovina Township, WI, and created a farm. In 1877, he went to work for P. Sawyer and Son, and then Sawyer Goodwin Co., with whom he went to the Upper Peninsula. He moved from Wisconsin to Michigan in 1878. In 1884, he and his uncle began a mercantile business in Crystal Falls, selling general merchandise. He was the first president of Crystal Falls and also was its first mayor and president of the village board. He was head of the John H. Parks Mercantile Company. Member of the Masons; Knights Templar
Notable Facts:
Witnessed Lee's surrender at Appomattox.
He was the first president of Crystal Falls and also was its first mayor.
Military service in Manual says enlistment in 1863 Co A; Sawyer says 1864 Co E.
Died January 1920 in Florida.