My Genealogy Hound

James S. Parks, the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, is one of the prominent and leading citizens of Southfield township, Oakland County, and is influential in its political, business and social circles. He is at present engaged in the general mercantile business at Harmon, and conducts one of the largest patronized stores of the vicinity. He was born in Southfield township in 1862 and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Laughlin) Parks.

Daniel Parks, who was a native of Ireland, came to America at an early date, and locating first in New York, where he was overseer of contract work on the streets. After a few years residence in the metropolis, he came to Michigan, locating in Oakland County, where he engaged in farming and by his early and indefatigable industry improved his situation in life to such an extent that he became one of the leading citizens and land owners of the county. His death took place in 1882, at the age of 76 years. He married Mary Ann Laughlin, who was a native of New York State and a daughter of Robert Laughlin, a prominent merchant of New York, now deceased. Mary Ann (Laughlin) Parks died in 1881 at the age of 56 years. They were the parents of eight children, four boys and four, girls, of whom two of the former are now living, namely: Daniel, who resides in Southfield, and James S., our subject. Our subject’s father was a member of the United Presbyterian Church and in politics a supporter, of the Republican party.

James S. Parks after receiving an education in the district schools of Oakland County, engaged in farming in section 25, Southfield township, and continued to be actively engaged in that occupation for many years; his farm, consisting of 80 acres, still continues to be his home. He has been engaged in conducting a general mercantile business for the past three years and has been successful in his efforts to build up a paying trade among the residents of his section. He is a Republican and has been prominently identified with the party for many years. He is at present moderator of School District, No. 7, and is also serving as treasurer of the township.

In 1890 Mr. Parks was married to Jane McClelland, daughter of Alexander and Jane (Hutchinson) McClelland. She was born in Southfield township in 1861 and her first marriage was to Robert Parks, the brother of our subject, who died and left her a widow with two children, namely: William A., of Detroit, and Armina, who resides at home with her mother. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James S. Parks, namely: Elsie and George. Mrs. Parks is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. She was appointed postmistress by President William McKinley, and held that position for three years.