The member from Mills county, the Hon. John Parker, of Silver City, has been a resident of that county since 1867, and in that time has most favorably identified himself with all the best interests of the vicinity. He is a native of England, born at Lincolnshire, December 18, 1837. He remained in his native country until 1857, when he came to this country, locating in Marion county, Ohio. He removed to Iowa in 1867, locating in Mills county, where he has lived ever since. He obtained a limited education in England, which has been supplemented by careful reading and study of the issues of the day. All his life has been spent in farming, beginning as a laborer, until sufficient capital was realized to own his own land. All his political life he has worked in the interest of the republican party. Until he was elected to the legislature two years ago, he had held no public offices, except the local one of county commissioner. He is an honored member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, and has held all the offices within the gift of the local lodge, and has represented his district in the grand lodge. He was married to Miss M. L. Johnson in 1861. They have ten children, six girls and four boys. They are members of the Methodist church. Mr. Parker has made a wise and able legislator, and faithful in his service to his constituents. Last year he acted on the committees on agriculture, retrenchment and reform, animal industry, hospitals for the insane, Institution for the Deaf and Dumb, Institution for the Feeble Minded, congressional and judicial districts.

Member of the House from Mills county, was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 18, 1837. He remained in his native country till 1857, when he came to America, settling in Marion county, Ohio. Ten years later he came to Mills county, and there he has since remained. In the old country he gained a limited education, which he has since supplemented by reading and private study. All his life has been spent on the farm, first as a laborer, and later as owner. He was married in 1861 to Miss M. L. Johnson. They have had ten children, all of whom are still living. They are: Elizabeth W., aged 33; Alice J., 31; Cora A., 29; Emma L., 27: Ida J., 25; Harry G., 22; Rosa M. 20; Howard R., 18; Santford J., 15; John G., 13. For the past thirty-eight years Mr. Parker has been an active worker in the Republican ranks. During that time he has held the office of county commissioner. He is an Odd Fellow, has held all the offices within the gift of the subordinate lodge and has represented his district in the grand lodge. He is also well up in the Grange. He belongs to the Methodist Church.