My Genealogy Hound

REUBEN D. PARKER, M. D. One of the loveliest homes in St. Joseph is the elegant and commodious residence owned and occupied by Dr. Parker. It is beautifully located on the bluff, commanding a fine view of the lake, and in its interior appointments, as well as its exterior appearance, is a model of its kind. It is a frame structure, of modern architecture, and contains all the luxuries of a city home, together with the advantages to be derived from rural life. Surrounded by all the comforts of existence and ministered to by loving hands, the Doctor is passing the afternoon of his useful life somewhat retired from the cares of business and professional work which formerly engaged his attention.

A native of New York, Dr. Parker was born in Lima Township, Livingston County, August 31, 1821, the descendant of English ancestors. His father, Elisha B., was born in Vermont, the son of Joseph Parker, and in his youth learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He married Miss Alice, daughter of Reuben Davis, of New York, and in 1829, accompanied by his wife and family, removed to Michigan and settled in Washtenaw County, twelve miles from Ann Arbor. He was a pioneer of that place, and remained one of its influential citizens and successful farmers until his death, which occurred in 1849. His wife, who survived him, removed to Niles, Berrien County, and there passed away at an advanced age.

Our subject is the second in order of birth among five children, three sons and two daughters, who comprised the parental family. He passed his boyhood years on the home farm and attended the district schools, and also for a time was a student in a select school. Upon completing his literary education, he commenced to read medicine with Dr. Markham, of Plymouth, Washtenaw County, and afterward pursued his medical studies under the preceptorship of Dr. Olds, of Salem, Mich. He opened an office and practiced for a short time in Washtenaw County, and later entered the Western Medical University, at Cleveland, Ohio, from which institution he was graduated in 1845.

Forming a partnership with Dr. Mathews, of Redford, Wayne County, Mich., the young Doctor conducted a general practice in that village from 1846 until 1852. In the latter year became to St. Joseph, and, opening an office, soon became known as a successful general practitioner. As a physician he commanded the confidence of the general public, and also of his professional brethren. In the diagnosis of cases he was accurate and successful, while in their treatment he displayed to an eminent degree the possession of those qualities which secure for a physician the highest success. In 1880 he retired from active professional work, and has since devoted his attention to looking after his extensive interests. He is the owner of considerable valuable property, including a fine farm near Benton Harbor, and his residence property in St. Joseph.

December 23, 1869, occurred the marriage of Miss Clarinda Searles and Dr. R. D. Parker. The bride was the second daughter of Stephen Searles, a prominent citizen of St. Joseph. She is a lady possessing in a rare degree the qualities of heart and mind which win and retain friends, and in the truest sense of the word she has been her husband’s helpmate. The Doctor and Mrs. Parker have an adopted daughter, Effie May. The Doctor is interested in all the important issues of the age, and in his political belief is a stanch advocate of the Republican party. He served for two years as Trustee of St. Joseph, and has been chosen to fill other important official positions.