Generation No. 1

John Parker, of Sampson County, North Carolina was born about 1725. He married Rachel Sessums, daughter of Nicholas and Elizabeth Sessums, about 1750. John Parker was a witness to a deed from Osborne Jeffreys to Nicholas Sessums, dated Oct. 2, 1744. He also witnessed a deed from John Porter to Samuel Sessums on Jan. 8, 1755. According to Eleanor D. McSwain, John Parker's home in Edgecombe County was "on or near Tyancocke Swamp." Tyancoke Creek was sometimes called "Cockey Swamp." The creek was a very long one finally flowing into Town Creek and emptying into the Tar River." John and Rachel (Sessums) Parker were living in Bladen County, NC in 1753 at the time of their son John's birth. In 1784 John Parker received numerous land grants from the State of North Carolina for land in that portion of Duplin County that became Sampson County in 1784. the first tax list of Sampson County taken in1784, lists John, William, Nicholas and Francis Parker. They owned 1010 acres of land. The minutes of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of Sampson County contain items concerning John Parker and his sons. In Minute Book 1793-1800 the following items were found: Court, Nov. 10, 1794: Ordered that Nicholas Parker be overseer of the river leading from John Parker, Senr. to Stephen Becks plantation and likewise to the road where Thomas Frasher was overseer of and that John Parker Senrs. hands, Thomas Owens, Luke Parker, Burrell Dun, Sessums Parker, Lewis Parker, and several others work under him. Court, 2nd Monday May 1795: Lewis Parker elected constable for Sessums Parkers district, Sessums Parker, Nicholas Parker members on jury to lay off new road. Sessums Parker Esq for Capt .Parkers Company, all to make list of taxables for 1795. A deed from John Parker to Lewis Parker for 100 acres of land registered. Court, 2nd Monday in Aug. 1795: Sessums Parker one of the Justices. Sessums Parker returned list of taxables. Owen Owens, Wm. Owens, Sessums Parker, Wm. Fowler, Thos. Owens, Lewis Parker, William Parker, Nicholas Sessums among those on jury to lay out road Owen Owens and his hands, Thomas Owens and his hands, Nicholas Parker and his hands, John Parkers hands, Wm. Fowler to work on road. Court, 2nd Monday, February 8, 1796: Ordered John Parkers hands to work on new road under Sessums Parker. Court, May 9, 1796: Sessums Parker, one of the Justices. John Parker's will is dated April 23, 1800. In Court on February 10, 1806 "Nicholas Parker and Sessums Parker came into court and prayed Letters of Administration on the estate of John Parker Decd. which was granted." Almost six years passes between the signing of the Will and the death of John Parker. His death date can be fixed between Nov. 1805 and February 1806. A "sale of the perishable property belonging to John Parker Senr. late of this county decead'd" was held on Sept. 24, 25,26,27, 1806. the sale took in 187 pounds, 13 shillings, and 11 pence. John Parker was a leader of the Methodist Church in Sampson County. He was the founder of Parker's Meeting House in 1785, now know as Andrew's Chapel Methodist Church.

Generation No. 2

Sarah Parker married Thomas Owen. Sarah died shortly after the birth of her son John Owen born Dec. 13, 1790. John was reared by his uncle, Nicholas Parker and his aunt Elizabeth Owen Parker.

Luke Parker, was born between 1770 and 1775. Luke's name does not appear in the Sampson County North Carolina census as head of a family, so he was probably still living with his parents John and Rachael (Sessums) Parker, as there was a male age 16 to 26 listed in John's household. Luke Parker was mentioned in his father's will. He was to receive Johns's plantation after Rachael died. He was also to receive following his mother's death, a 1/4 share in John's two Negroes, and a 1/3 share in all of John's stock. Parker's Meeting House was founded by John Parker and meetings were held in his home. After his death, Luke Parker deeded two acres of his plantation for the church for the amount of two shillings on October 2, 1809. The trustees were to erect and build a church for the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America. Luke Parker married Sophia_______. He appears as a head of family on the 1810, 1820 and 1830 census for Sampson County, North Carolina. Luke Parker served as a soldier in the War of 1812, as a member of Captain Thomas Boykin's Company, North Carolina Drafted Militia, stationed at Deepwater Point. He enlisted July 24, 1813 with the rank of private. He is listed on the muster roll dated Sept 26, 1813 as "Sick in Hospital." He was mustered out October 19, 1813 and he appears on a "Muster roll of a Detachment of Married Men Discharged, by Order of Adjutant General of North Carolina, from the Detached Militia stationed in Deepwater Point. Luke Parker appears in the minutes of the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions. In Book 2, Court, May 10, 1801 he was ordered along with others to open stream of water called Little Cohary. The next week he was ordered again to work on Little Cohary. Court, May 12, 1806 he and others were ordered to serve in Fraziers District. Court, August 11, 1806, He worked on Little Cohary from Parkers Bridge to Magees Bridge. In Book 3, Court, August 14, 1809, Luke Parker sworn on the grand jury. Court, Nov. 13, 1809, a deed from Luke Parker to trustees of church for two acres of land was proven in Court for Registration. Court, May 21, 1810, Luke Parker and others to be Patriots in Captain Buttery's District. Court, Nov. 9, 1810, Luke Parker to be overseer of River in "room" of Owen Owens and the usual hands to work under him. Luke Parker sold 100 acres of land to John Parker, presumably his nephew, the son of William, on July 28, 1827. This parcel of land was located on the "West side of Little Cohary and on both sides of the beaver dam" and was sold for $100. This appears to be the identical tract of land which was granted to John Parker, Sr., October 29, 1782, from the State of North Carolina. Luke Parker sold to John Parker for $149 on February 5, 1828, four parcels of land on the "west side of Little Cohary" totaling 272 acres. All four parcels were located in the vicinity of the "beaver dam swam." On March 3, 1831 there was a final sale for $950 for nine tracts of land, totaling 831 acres to Silas Herring. After this sale Luke Parker and his family moved from Sampson County, North Carolina to Alachua (now Columbia) County, Florida. The move took place between March 1831, the date of the deed and April 1832, the date of the birth of Luke's last child, Henry Parker. Luke Parker served in the Second Seminole War after moving to Florida. He enlisted January 27, 1837 at Ft. Beckham in Captain Edward's Mounted Company, 1st Regiment, Warren's Florida Militia, as a private. He served until June 5, 1837. He reenlisted as a private June 16, 1837 in Captain Livingston's Company, 2nd Regiment, East Florida Mounted Volunteers, at Ft. Palmetto, and served until Dec. 18, 1837. He was mustered out at Ft. Gilliland, Florida. Luke Parker died June 8, 1838. Sophia Parker is believed to have died before 1840.

Generation No. 3

Sarah Jane Parker was born 1814, Sampson County, North Carolina. She moved to Alachua (now Columbia) County, Florida with her parents in 1831. She married William Calvin Hair in Columbia County around 1835. The family lived in Columbia County and are shown on the 1840 and 1850 census there. Prior to 1860 they moved to Manatee County. On November 19, 1873 William Calvin Hair brought suit for divorce against Sarah. The case was continued through each term until 1878 and it disappears from the record. There is no indication that it was ever granted. On January 22, 1874, Willaim Calvin Hair sold 400 head of cattle branded A6 to Sarah for $5.00. Dempsey D Crews, Sr. was appointed Guardian of the property of Sarah on November 15, 1874, on a petition filed by Sarah Jane's five children. In the petition she was described as a"Married woman living separate and apart from her husband,..." . Dempsey Crews was discharged as Guardian May 30, 1879, and his bond was dated June 21, 1879, in the amount of $2400. The probate Court of DeSoto County approved William Smith's request that $100 of Sarah Jane's estate be divided among her five children on March 14, 1887. The estate was valued at $1350 in cash plus cattle. On January 1, 1895 William Smith was discharged as guardian. Andrew J Wingate was appointed her Guardian and his bond was dated April 6, 1895. Sarah Jane Hair died October 11, 1897, DeSoto County, Florida. She was buried in New Hope Cemetery, near Zolfo Springs. In his final settlement from June 29, 1897 to April 30, 1898, it is shown that her estate was worth $2059.35. It was divided among the five children, Molcey Crews, S. A. Hair, Annie Wadsworth, W N Hair and Sophia C Wingate. Each child received $20 in cash and $255 worth of cattle, 50 head each. The tombstone cost $45. Andrew Wingate was discharged as Guardian, April 30, 1898.

William Calvin Hair, son of William Hair, was born about 1803-08 in North Carolina. He moved with his parents to Wayne County, Georgia after 1819 and by 1835 he was living in Columbia County,Florida. He married Sarah Jane Parker about 1835 in Columbia County, Florida. William Hair served as a private in the Second Seminole War. He served in Captain Summerlin's Company, 6th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, Florida Militia, from November 26, 1835 until March 26, 1836. He was in Captain Niblack's Mounted Company, 1st Regiment,Warren's Florida Militia, from January 27, 1837 company, 2nd Regiment Ft. Lancaster until June 5, 1837 at Ft. Gilliland. He served in Captain Martin's East Florida Mounted Volunteers from June 16, 1837 at Pine Grove until December 18, 1837 at Ft. Gilliland. William Calvin Hair signed a "Petition to Congress by the inhabitants of East Florida" in 1838, in which a land office was requested to be established in Newnansville in Alachua County. The 1840 and 1850 census of Columbia County shows William C Hair as head of a family. William C Hair and family moved to Manatee County before 1860. They are shown living there on the 1860 census. William C Hair was a County Commissioner for Manatee in 1860. He register the brands L and A6 on June 17 1861. On November 19,1873, William Calvin Hair brought suit for divorce against Sarah Hair. The case was continued through each term until 1878 when it disappears from the records. There is not any record of it ever being granted. William Calvin Hair died about 1879.

Mary Parker born 1816 Sampson County, North Carolina. She came with her parents to Columbia County, Florida in 1831. Mary Parker married Ephraim Morgan, born 1810 in South Carolina, on March 21, 1833 in Columbia County, Florida. They were married at the Rose Creek Church by Reverend Charles Collins. The family moved to Levy County in the 1840. Ephriam Morgan died Sept 30, 1859 in Levy County, Florida. After his death Mary Parker and her children remained in Levy County, where they are shown on the 1860 census.

Mary and her four youngest children are shown living in the household of her daughter Henrietta and her son-in-law, Edward Brooker in Manatee County, Florida. Mary was living in Brevard county in the 1880 census with her daughter Joanna and son-in-law, Henry Holmes. She was living with her daughter Henrietta Brooker in Manatee County by 1885. Not long after they she returned to Brevard County where she lived until her death. Mary Parker died at Ft. Drum in Brevard County August 9 1895 and was buried in the cemetery there. Her obituary stated that she was sick for about a year prior to her death and "suffered a great deal for several months." She was living with her son-in-law Henry Holmes at the time of her death.

Ephraim Morgan was born 1810 in South Carolina. He married Mary Parker in Columbia County, Florida at the Rose Creek Church on March 21, 1833. Ephraim Morgan served several enlistments in the volunteer militia companies while living in Columbia County during the Second Seminole War. He enrolled May 22, 1836 in Captain Robert Brown's company and was discharged September 22, 1836. He enlisted on January 27, 1837 in Captain James Edwards' Mounted Company, 1st Regiment, Warren's Florida Militia at Ft. Beckham and was discharged June 5, 1837. He enlisted in Captain Brown's Company, 2nd Regiment, East Florida Mounted Volunteers at Ft. Gilliland on June 16, 1837. He is shown as enlisting in Captain William B. Hooker's company on April 6, 1838 and was discharged July 22, 1838. He served as a private during these enlistments. He moved with his family to Levy County in the 1840's where he was a farmer. Ephraim Morgan applied for bounty land, February 1, 1851 based on his service in the Seminole War. He stated his place of residence was Alachua County, but the census for 1850 showed him living in Levy County. He received 160 acres on Warrant No. 12,713, dated January 10, 1852. Ephraim Morgan died September 30, 1859 in Levy County, Florida. His widow Mary Morgan applied for a widow's pension on May 6, 1889 based upon Ephraim's Indian War service, stating that he suffered from measles while in the war. An apparent relapse brought on brain fever and caused his Death. She died in 1895 before the pension was granted.

John Parker was born October 16, 1818, Sampson County, North Carolina. He came with his parents to Alachua (now Columbia) County, Florida in 1831. He served in the Second Seminole War with four different enlistments. He enlisted May 22, 1836 at Mineral Spring, as a private in Captain Martin's Mounted Company, 2nd Brigade, Florida Drafted Militia. He was discharged September 22, 1836. He enlisted in Captain Reed's Company, 1st Regiment, Warren's Florida Mounted Militia, September 23, 1836 at Ft. Reed as a private and was discharged January 27, 1837. He enlisted January 27, 1837 in Captain Niblack's Mounted Company, 1st Regiment, Warren's Florida Militia as a private at Ft. Lancaster and was discharged June 5, 1837 at Ft. Gilliland. He reenlisted June 16, 1837 at Ft .Lancaster in Captain Brown's company, 2nd East Florida Mounted Volunteers as Sergeant and was mustered out December 18, 1837 at Ft. Gilliland. He married Jane Elizabeth (Smiley) Hooker, on December 12, 1839. She was the widow of Stephen Caswell Hooker who died in 1837. Jane and Stephen Hooker had four children. Jane Smiley Moved with her family from Liberty County to Burke County, Georgia for several years before moving to Columbia County, Florida where she married Stephen Hooker in 1831. According to family tradition John Parker worked for the Hooker's and after Jane's husband John Parker was supposed to take her back to her family, but instead they were married. John Parker moved his family to Hillsborough County, Florida in 1843. He applied for 160 acres of land under the provisions of the Armed Occupation Act at Ft. Brooke, on June 30, 1843. He received Permit No. 651 on July 11, 1843 for 160.40 acres of land located in Simmons Hammock, near present day Seffner. He resided on the land, built a log house and cultivated 5 acres of land. He applied for a patent on this and land and it was issued August 1, 1849. He became Sheriff of Hillsborough County in 1845. He also served in his capacity as Sheriff, as ex-officio Tax Collector of Hillsborough County. He was elected County Commissioner of Hillsborough County in 1849 and served from October 1849 for two years. He was also a Justice of the Peace during this period. After the killings by the Indians in 1849 at Payne's Creek John Parker organized a company, serving as the captain and scouted the area for several month. F.C.M. Boggs stated that Captain Parker's "prompt action in the organization and equipping a company and hunting Indians prevented a general outbreak and a long and bloody war." He is shown as living at Simmons Hammock on the 1850 census for Hillsborough County. He applied for bounty land based upon his service in the Second Seminole War on Dec. 6, 1850, and received Bounty Warrant No 8122 on Sept 11, 1851 for 160 acres. John and Jane Parker sold the original 160.40 acres of land that they received under the Armed Occupation Act to Daniel Gillett for $600. John Parker began building up herds of cattle and became one of the leading cattlemen of South Florida in the 1850's. He register brand 18 for his children Lewis and Louisa Sophia Parker, on December 11, 1847. On April 12, 1852, he registered the brand JP for his own use. On December 23, 1854 he registered the brand SS. These brands were registered in Hillsborough County but in 1857 they were transferred to Manatee County. The Hillsborough County tax records show that

John had 700 head of cattle in 1853, and in 1854 he had 1400. He had 1700 head in 1854. Manatee County was established in 1855. By 1856 and perhaps before that, John was living there near present day Ona in what is now Hardee County. During the Third Seminole War, John Parker served as a 1st Lieutenant in Captain William B Hooker's Company, Florida Mounted Volunteers. He enlisted January 3, 1856 at Ft. Mead, and served until February 21, 1856. He served in the same capacity in Hooker's second service, enlisting on 'February 18, 1856. The official records show that by order of Captain Hooker, Lt. Parker was on detached service at Ft. Green from February 22, 1856 until July 1856. He was mustered out at Ft. Meade, August 20, 1856. He enlisted as a private in Lieutenant Whitaker's Detachment, Florida Mounted Volunteers on October 7, 1856 at Manatee. He was elected Captain of the Company on November 18, 1856 and was mustered out at Tampa on December 17, 1856. According to Manatee County tax lists he owned $12800 worth of stock in 1858. He paid taxes on 3500 head in 1860, 4000 head in 1861, 3000 head in 1862 and 1000 head in 1866. John Park and other cattlemen were involved in exporting of cattle to the West Indies immediately preceding the Civil War. John Parker represented Manatee in the House of Representatives in 1860 and 1861. He was appointed trustee for School District 3, the eastern part of the county on April 2, 1860. He was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the 20th Regiment of Florida Militia on May 7, 1860 and was commissioned by Gov. Perry on June 11, 1860. He took the oath of office on August 10, 1860. He was appointed one of three of a special committee to "look after the wants of soldier's families" by the Board of County Commissioners on February 9, 1863. After the war John Parker moved to Homeland, midway between Ft. Meade and Bartow in Polk County. He was amount the first purchasers of a lot in the original Bartow which was platted July 1, 1866. He purchased Lot 3 in Block 8 on July 7, 1866. He was a member of Bartow Lodge 9, Free and Accepted Masons. The tax lists for Polk County show that in 1866 and 1867 John Parker owned 160 acres of land. In 1869 and 1870 he owned 200 acres. He was on a list of registered voters in 1871. Beginning in 1870, he began the distribution of his herds of cattle. On Nov. 19, 1870 he sold 1000 head, "ranging east of the Kissimmee River" and branded O and B to his sons Thomas O Parker and Jasper N Parker for $4000. He sold 2000 head to his brother Streaty Parker on July 26, 1872, for $14000. These cattle branded SS and L were described as "running in Brevard County." By 1877 he had moved to Manatee County, for on May 16, 1of that year he sold to his sons Thomas O Parker and Jasper N parker 2000 head "ranging east of Peace Creek," branded 18 and SS for $10000. Even though he had moved to Manatee County by 1877, he received a deed from the Internal Improvement Fund for his land in Polk County on May 7, 1877. John Parker's death was due to mysterious circumstances. In June 1881 several prominent cattlemen were the targets of poisoning. Jacob Summerlin, F. A. Hendry and John W. Whidden were poisoned by corrosive sublimate which had been placed in their coffee. This occurred at Summerlin's house at Punta Rassa. The men did not die but threw up and were ill for several days. The Bartow Informant reported in its edition of October 6, 1881 that "Messrs. Summerlin and Zipprer on their return from a cattle expedition last week, were poisoned by eating food cooked in a copper kettle." there were no serious after-effects. The Bartow Informant of October 27, 1881 told of the opening of the camp meeting near Bartow. John Parker having been to Punta Rassa and selling cattle, came to the meeting. The following incident occurred, according to the Informant of Nov. 5, 1881. "Captain John Parker, of Manatee County,had eleven gold doubloons stolen from him at the camp-ground last Monday. (Oct. 31, 1881) Joe Richard of Bradford County, was arrested on suspicion and is under guard here until the meeting of the court next week, as we have no jail. We learn that Richard bought a horse from a Negro, and that some of the gold pieces he paid the Negro were identified by Capt. Parker as part of the stolen money, from certain marks on them." The following weekend, November , Richard escaped. According to tradition, John parker's death was caused by poisoning. He had a drink with someone at the camp meeting and became ill because the liquor had been poisoned. He died while in the outhouse there. His death is reported in the Informant as follows: DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER. We are pained to learn of the death of Colonel John Parker of Manatee County who died suddenly at Ft. Meade, Thursday morning, of heart disease. He left Bartow on Wednesday afternoon, in apparent good health and reaching Ft. Meade that evening, pass the night with Mr. P. Dzianlynski. Next morning he arose and went to the lot, meeting and speaking to George Dzialynski on his way. Not appearing at breakfast time a search was made for him, when he was found sitting in the water-closet--dead. John Parker died November 10, 1881,Bartow, Florida. He is buried in the Homeland Cemetery. He was a Methodist. Jane Parker was living with her son, Thomas O Parker when the 1885 census for Manatee County was taken. She died at the home of her son, Lewis at 3 A.M. Friday, May 1, 1891. She was buried in the Joshua Creek Cemetery.

William Parker was born about 1821 in Sampson County, North Carolina. He came with his parents to Columbia County, Florida in 1831. He enlisted at Ft Beckham in Captain Edward's Mounted Company, 1st Regiment Warren's Florida Militia on January 27, 1837 and was mustered out at Ft. Beckham, June 5, 1837. On June 16, 1837 he enlisted in Captain Livingston's Company, 2nd Regiment East Florida Mounted Volunteers at Ft. Palmetto and was mustered out December 18, 1837 at Ft.Gilliland,Florida. He served as a private during both enlistments. He applied for bounty land on October 7, 1851 based on the above service. He received Warrant No. 16, 392 for 160 acres. William Parker moved to Hillsborough County, Florida in 1843. He applied for 160 acres of land under the provisions of the Armed Occupation Act of 1842 on February 17, 1843 at Tampa, Fla. He received 160 acres under Permit No. 535. This property is located in the settlement of Simmons Hammock. William Parker married Wineford Meryan Hooker on January 14, 1844 in Hillsborough County. She was born July 10, 1826 in Georgia. William Parker is shown on the 1850 Hillsborough County census living at Simmons Hammock and is shown as a planter. It states that he owned one slave. He later moved to Homeland near Ft. Meade. In the Third Seminole War William Parker served as a private in his father-in-law, Captain William B Hooker's company of Florida Mounted Volunteers. He enlisted January 3, 1856 at Ft. Meade and was mustered out February 21, 1856 at Ft. Meade. He was mustered in again February 21,1856 for six months service. Wineford Meryan Hooker Parker died May 8, 1856 in Hillsborough County, Florida. On June 14, 1856 a band of Seminole Indians attacked the home of Willoughby Tillis, near Ft. Meade. A group of seven mounted men rode from Ft Meade to help the family. William Parker was with the group, and along with Lt. Alderman Carlton and Lot Whidden was killed. The bodies were returned to Ft. Meade and were buried in a common grave along with two other men killed in a skirmish on June 16. A monument of the site was erected in 1964. William B Hooker was appointed Administrator of William Parker's estate on Aug. 14, 1856. The estate was valued at $7000. William B Hooker was appointed Guardian of the persons and estates of Jane E Parker, William J Parker, Julia S Parker, Oregon E Parker, Winford M Parker and Cuthbert Parker on April 24, 1858. In the 1860 census for Manatee County, William's three surviving children, Oregon, Wineford Marian, and Cuthbert are shown living with their father's brother John Parker. It also lists five slaves as part of William Parker's estate under the custody of John Parker. William B Hooker continued as administrator of the estate until 1867 when the remaining funds of $1479.55 was transferred from the estate to the Guardian of the children in 1867. William B Hooker died in 1871 and in Polk County on Dec 30, 1872, John Parker was appointed Guardian for Wineford and Cuthbert Parker.

Wineford Meryan Hooker, daughter of William B Hooker and Mariah Henderson.

Henry L Parker was born April 15, 1832 in Columbia County, Florida, shortly after his parents moved from North Carolina. He served as private during the Seminole disturbance from August 7 to October 27, 1849 in Captain Joseph J. Knight's company. John Parker was appointed "Guardian of the Person and Estate of Henry Parker Minor heir of Luke Parker late of Columbia County State of Florida" on October 9, 1851 in Hillsborough County. On the same day John Parker applied for bounty land for Henry Parker based upon their father, Luke Parker's service in the Seminole War and the War of 1812. He received 160 acres under Warrant #20408. Later Henry Parker received 80 acres of bounty land for his 1849 service under Warrant # 46065. In 1855 Henry Parker was elected Sheriff of Hillsborough County. Henry enlisted as a private at Ft. Brook, February 2, 1858 and served in Captain J. F. P. Johnston's Company, Florida Mounted Volunteers in the Third Seminole War. He mustered out at Ft. Brooke, May 11, 1858. About 1859 Henry Parker moved back to Columbia County and married a widow, Elizabeth (Brinkley) Holmes, who had a son Henry Allen Holmes, by her first marriage. Henry Holmes later married Joanna J Morgan, the daughter of Henry Parker's sister Mary Parker Morgan. Henry Parker enlisted as a private at Lake City, Columbia County in Company B 5th Florida Infantry, Confederate Army on April 19, 1862. He served on detailed or detached service as wagoner. He was home on furlough at the time of Lee's surrender. Henry Parker and his family moved to south Florida in Brevard County about 1870. He settled at Bluff Hammock on the Kissimmee River. He later moved on to the Bassinger area and remained there until 1874. In February 1874 the explorer Frederick Ober made his expedition to Lake Okeechobee and mentions "Judge Parker, a resident on the Kissimmee, near Fort Bassenger." Ober stated that Mr. Parker was the only settler on the route from Indian River to the Kissimmee River and that he lived in the last pine island before the river. Henry Parker sold his claim at Bassinger to Noel Rabun Raulerson, Sr. Henry L. parker was appointed County Judge of Brevard County on Sept. 25, 1872 by Governor Harrison Reed. Henry Parker lived at Lake View near Lake Marian during the mid-1870's. Lake View was the county seat of Brevard for a brief time. Elizabeth Parker died at Lake View in 1876. Henry Parker married Rutha Ann Richards at Bull Creek on October 4, 1877. Henry Parker was appointed to the Brevard County Commission for a two year term on July 31, 1877 and re appointed for another two years on July 31, 1879. Henry moved about 1878 from Lake View to Fort Drum, which had been the site of a military post during the Seminole War, but since abandoned. Henry Parker, his stepson, Henry Holmes and Elder Joel Swain, a Primitive Baptist preacher, were the first permanent settlers at Fort Drum. Henry Parker opened a general store there and the Cow Creek Seminole Indians traded hides and bird plumes for supplies. Other settlers gradually moved into the area and bought supplies there. Henry Parker served as a Representative from Brevard County in the 1881, 1893 and 1899 sessions. He helped draw up the 1885 Florida Constitution and signed the document. Henry Parker was appointed the first postmaster of Fort Drum August 22, 1888 and served until 1896. He was re appointed Dec. 29, 1900 and served until 1907. He applied for an Indian War Pension on May 9, 1903 which was approved. Henry Parker died March 13, 1908. His widow applied for an Indian War widow's pension July 15, 1908 which was approved. She also applied for a State Confederate pension in 1909 and 1909 which was approved. Ruth Ann Parker died July 11, 1911. Henry L. Parker is buried at the Fort Drum Cemetery beside his first and second wives. The first wife's grave was moved from Lake View to Fort Drum about 1968.

Elizabeth Matilda Brinkley Holmes, daughter of John Brinkley.

Generation No. 4

Dempsey Dubois Crews, son of Alexander and Lucy (Dubois) Crews, was born July 23, 1806, Colleton District, South Carolina. Dempsey Crews married first, Piety Collier, daughter of John Collier, Sr and had 10 children. Dempsey Crews served in Captain North's company of Brown's Georgia Volunteers in the Second Seminole War in 1835. From June 16, 1837 until December 18, 1837 he served as a sergent in Captain William B North's company in the 2nd Regiment of Volunteers under William J Mills. He was in Captain William B North's company from July 12, 1838 until January 12, 1839. He lived in Ware County, Georgia in 1840 and moved to Hamilton County, Florida around 1845. He Lasater moved to Columbia County. He served as a private in Captain Stewart's company of Florida Mounted Volunteers during the Third Seminole War. He enlisted at Alligator and mustered out at Ft. Brooke January 28, 1858. Dempsey Crews moved his family to Manatee County in the Ft. Hartsuff area between 1858 and 1860. He was in the cattle business. According to the 1860 slave schedule of Manatee County he owned 8 slaves. On October 9, 1863, he registered the DC brand. Dempsey Crews is credited with blazing the first road from the Ft. Green-Wauchula area across Peace River to the Zolfo-Crewsville territory. He reportedly selected the site for the ford, graded the slopes and drove the first yoke of oxen across it. His first wife Piety (Collier) Crews died in 1862. Dempsey Crews married Molcy Hair Born December 23, 1837,Columbia County, Florida in Manatee County, December 1863. Dempsey and Molcey Crews continued to live in the Ft. Hartsuff area. Molcy Crews registered her brand NC in Manatee County on October 17, 1874. He lived later at Zolfo in DeSoto (Now Hardee) County. His will is dated July 4, 1877 but his death was July 24, 1892 at Zolpho, Florida. Molcy applied for a widow's pension based on Dempsey Crews' Indian War services which was approved. Molcy Hair Crews died May 31, 1925 at Balm, Florida. They are buried at New Hope Cemetery near Zolfo Springs.

Andrew J and Sophia C (Hair) Wingate resided in Manatee County, Florida.

William N Hair born about 1845, Columbia County, Florida came to Manatee County, Florida with his parents prior to 1860. William Hair served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He enlisted May 14, 1862 Company E, 8th Florida Infantry. He was wounded at Chancellorsville, May 4 1863. He came back to south Florida and on May 22, 1864, he enlisted in the Union army at Ft. Myers. He gave his occupation as a farmer. He was mustered into company B, 2nd Regiment of Florida Cavalry Volunteers, July 16, 1864 at Cedar Keys, Florida Asa private. He was mustered out November 29, 1865 at Tallahassee, Florida. William Hair registered the EL brand in Manatee County on October 17, 1874. He applied for an original invalid pension from the US government based upon his service in the Union army in the Civil War. He gave his residence as Popash, Manatee County. He applied again on October 18, 1890 and the application was granted. His certificate number is 543,739. Under subsequent acts of Congress he applied again in1907 and 1912. On the 1890 application he gave his address as Crewsville, DeSoto County. He married Laura Whidden August 10, 1870 in Manatee County. William N Hair died July 7, 1913. Laura (Whidden) Hair applied for a widow's pension on July 28, 1913 and for an accrued pension November 18, 1913. She continued to live in Crewsville but at the time of her death her post office address was Lake Stearns, Florida. Laura Hair died August 3, 1929, Lake Stearns, Florida.

Laura Whidden, daughter of Eley Perry and Lavenia (Platt) Whidden.

Streety Ashford Hair was born February 1847 in Columbia County, Florida. He moved with his parents to Manatee County, Florida, prior to 1860. He served in the Union army during the Civil War. He enrolled at Ft. Myers, May 22, 1864 and gave his occupation. He was mustered into company B, 2nd regiment of Florida Cavalry Volunteers July 16,1864 at Cedar Keys, Florida as a private. He was mustered out on November 29, 1865 at Tallahassee. Streety A Hair married August 27, 1866 at Manatee County, Florida, Lydia Bea Crews. She was born May 16, 1849, Columbia County, Florida. Streety A Hair registered the VF brand in Manatee County on March 1, 1873. Around Streety Hair and his family moved to Ft. Drum located east of the Kissimmee River in Brevard (now Okeechobee) County. Streety Hair applied for a Civil War invalid Pension on July 26, 1897. Streety Hair died February 23, 1908 at Ft. Drum, Florida. Lydia Bea Hair applied for a widow's pension on June 12, 1908 and received payments until her death. Lydia Bea Hair died April 26, 1920 at Ft. Drum, Florida.

Lydia Bea Crews, daughter of Dempsey Dubois and Piety (Collier) Crews.

Thomas C Wadsworth born 1856 married, 1872 in Manatee County, Anna Mary Hair, born about 1856 in Florida. Thomas C Wadsworth served in the Confederate army during the Civil War in Company I, 3rd Florida Infantry. Thomas and Anna Mary Hair lived in Manatee (now Hardee) County. Thomas C Wadsworth died in 1923.

Mary Morgan, born 1840, Columbia County, Florida. She moved with her parents to Levy County, during the 1840'sand lived there until prior to 1860 when she moved to Manatee County. Mary Morgan is shown on the 1860 census living with her uncle, John Parker. She married February 20, 1860, Manatee County, Florida, James J Whidden, born about 1841. James and Mary Whidden lived in Manatee County and are shown on the 1870 census. They both died before 1880, as the Manatee 1880 census shows Streety Whidden, their son living with Thomas O Parker. Thomas O Parker was appointed Guardian for Streety on May 4, 1882. Jasper Newton parker served as Administrator of James J Whidden's estate. The 1881-82 return showed the estate valued at $1702.85.

Elmira Morgan, born December 13, 1843, Florida, married 1st, Fred West. She married 2nd, James Augustus Youmans, October 18, 1865, Polk County, Florida.

Elmira Morgan moved to south Florida during the 1860's. Elmira and James Youmans resided at Ft. Ogden near his father's old home place. James Youmans was born May 28, 1837, Thomas County, Georgia and died May 14, 1912, Ft. Ogden, Florida. Elmira Morgan Youmans died May 9, 1919, Ft. Ogden, Florida.

Fred West married about 1862 Elmira Morgan. They had one child Mary West, born 1863. Elmira Morgan married 2nd James A Youmans October 18,1865, so it would appear that Fred West died before then.

James Augustus Youmans, son of James Madison and Martha L (Emanuel) Youmans, was born May 28, 1837, Thomas County, Georgia. He married Elmira Morgan West, October 18, 1865, Polk County, Florida. They lived at Ft. Ogden, Florida near his father's old homestead. James Youmans died May 14, 1912.

Ephriam Morgan, born July 3, 1847, Florida. Ephriam Morgan came to south Florida and is shown on the 1880 and 1885 census of Monroe County, where he is listed as a farmer. He is shown as single on these records and did not marry until middle age. He married, October 4, 1890, Lee County, Florida, Helen Prescott, born July, 1871.

Henrietta Morgan, born February 8, 1849, Florida. She moved from Levy to Manatee County during the 1860's. Henrietta Morgan married December 22, 1869, Manatee County, Florida, Edward Brooker. Edward Brooker was born about1847 in Florida. Edward and Henrietta Brooker were living in Manatee County in 1870, Brevard County in1880 and Manatee County in 1885 according to the census records.

Edward Brooker was born about 1847 in Florida. He married Henrietta Morgan, on December 22, 1869, Manatee County, Florida. Henrietta Morgan was born February 8, 1849 in Florida. They lived in Manatee County in 1870,Brevard County and Manatee County in 1885 according to the census records.

Washington Morgan, born April 10, 1851, Florida. He moved to Manatee County prior to 1870 with his mother and is shown on the census for that year living with his sister, Henrietta, and brother-in-law, Edward Brooker. Washington Morgan married, spouse name unknown, and had four children. He later married Sarah Jane (Williams) Mathis, daughter of Rowland and Nancy Ann (Sweat) Williams, and widow of James Washington Mathis. She was born February 9, 1852, died February 1, 18\946, Tampa, Florida.

Sarah Jane( Williams) Mathis, daughter of Rowland and Nancy Ann (Sweat) Williams and widow of James Washington Mathis. Sarah was born February 9, 1852 in Columbia County. She married James Washington Mathis April 10, 1867. They had fourteen children and lived in south Florida. James W Mathis died October 15, 1893. Sarah later married Washington Morgan. Sarah died in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 1946 and was buried in the Ft. Ogden Cemetery in DeSoto County.

Joanna Josephine Morgan was born March 6,1853, Levy County, Florida. She moved with her mother to Manatee County during the 1870's and is shown on the 1870 census living with her sister Henrietta (Morgan) Brooker. Later she moved to Brevard County and married, Henry Allen Holmes, the stepson of her uncle, Henry Parker. They were married October 24, 1875, Brevard County, Florida. Henry and Joanna Holmes moved to Ft. Drum in Brevard County about 1878. Joanna Morgan Holmes died in Ft. Drum,Florida February 21, 1894.

Henry Allen Holmes, son of Elizabeth Matilda (Brinkley) Holmes, and stepson of Henry Parker. He came to Brevard County about 1871 with his mother and step-father and in1874 settled at Lake View, a community located near Lake Marion. Henry Allen Holmes married Joanna Josephine Morgan born March 6, 1853, Levy County, Florida on October 24, 1875, Brevard County, Florida. She was the niece of Henry Parker. Henry and Joanna moved to Ft. Drum in Brevard County around 1878. They had nine children. He became a prominent and wealthy cattleman in the Ft. Drum area. Joanna died February 21, 1894. After her death Henry married Carrie Roberts and they five more children. Henry and Carrie Roberts moved to Ft. Pierce, Florida in 1908. Henry Allen Holmes died August 25, 1927.

John O Morgan was born April 23, 1855, Levy County, Florida. He came with his mother to Manatee County prior to 1870. In the 1870 census he is shown living with his sister Henrietta and his brother-in-law Henry Brooker. In the 1885 census for Monroe County, John Morgan is shown as single. John Morgan married about 1886 Mary____. The family is shown living in Lee County in the 1900 census.

James Morgan was born June 8, 1858 in Levy County, Florida. He came with his mother to Manatee County prior to 1870. In the census for that year he is shown living in the household of his brother-in-law, Edward Brooker and sister Henrietta Brooker. He was still living with the Brookers on the 1885 Manatee County census. He soon moved to Ft Drum in Brevard(now Okeechobee) County. He married July 7, 1887 in Brevard County, Florida, Lucinda Sellers. She was born July 14, 1862. James Morgan died March 10, 1939 at Ft. Drum. Lucinda Morgan died June 16, 1956.

Lucinda Sellers, daughter of Asbury Sellers, born July 14,1862. She married James Morgan in Brevard County, Florida July 7, 1887. Lucinda Sellers died June 16, 1956.

Lewis Henry Parker was born May 24, 1842 in Columbia County, Florida. He moved with his parents to Hillsborough County in 1843, living there until the family moved to Manatee County. The brand 18 was registered for him in Hillsborough County on December 11, 1847 and later transferred to Manatee County in 1857. A certificate dated March 20, 1861 and recorded April 9, 1862, reads as follows: " I William A. Lively, Assistant Surgeon of the 20th Regiment of Florida Militia, do certify that I have examined Lewis H. Parker of Manatee County and find that he has the forefinger of the right hand removed which would be much in the way of loading a gun, and I do not think he is qualified to perform military duty." Even so, Lewis enlisted April 10, 1862 in Captain N. S. Blount's Company E, 7thRegiment, Florida Infantry and served the Confederacy during the Civil War. In 1866 he was a member of Bartow Lodge No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons. Lewis Parker married Lydia Elvira Starnes on February 1, 1866 in Polk County, Florida. The family moved from Homeland in Polk County to Joshua Creek in Manatee County about 1868. Lewis had registered a mark and brand in Manatee County. He appeared on a "Roll of persons between the ages of 18 and 45 years liable to military duty in the County of Manatee," dated July 15, 1869. Lewis Parker is shown as agent for Jacob Summerlin who owned 4000 head of cattle according to the 1870 Manatee County tax list. Lewis Parker became a leading cattleman in south Florida during the later part of the nineteenth century. He also had large orange groves. He was appointed Manatee County Commissioner for a two year term on July 25, 1878. He was a Representative for Manatee County to the Florida House of Representatives during the 1879 Legislative session. Lydia Elvira Parker died January 18, 1882 at Joshua Creek, Florida. Lewis H Parker, along with three others, gave bond on July 7, 1888 to the DeSoto County Commission for completion of a courthouse at Arcadia, provided Arcadia was selected county seat. He was a member of the building committee. Lewis Henry Parker died March 4, 1901 DeSoto County. The following is a news story of his death that appeared in the Tampa Tribune March 10, 1901 and was reprinted in the Bartow Courier-Informant, March 13, 1901: Arcadia, March 9-(Special)- The body of Louis Parker, one of the most prominent cattle men of this section, was found this morning in the woods, near Joshua's Creek, thirty miles from this city. The neck was broken. A cigar was held tightly between the teeth of the dead man--an evidence that death had been instantaneous. Mr. Parker left home four days ago to go on a cattle driving expedition. The next day his horse returned to Arcadia. His friends thought the animal had escaped from him. the next day they became alarmed and search was instituted. The woods were scoured, and the body was found as stated. Mr. Parker had evidently fallen from his horse with such force as to break his neck. He had been dead at least three days. Next to Judge Ziba King, whose funeral occurred at Fort Ogden today, Mr. Parker was the most prominent cattle man in this section. He leaves a substantial estate. He was about 58 years old. The funeral occurred today, near the scene of the finding of the body.

Thomas Owen Parker was born May 20, 1846 at Simmons Hammock, Hillsborough County, Florida. He moved with his parents to Manatee County around 1856. Thomas Owen Parker was living at Homeland in Polk County when he married Sarah Louisa Blount on Jan 2 1870 at Bartow, Florida. Sarah Blount was born April 4, 1851 in Columbia County, Florida. She moved with her parents to Hillsborough County (now Polk County) in 1851. She lived and grew up at Ft Blount (now Bartow). Sarah Blount was baptized a member of Peas Creek Baptist Church on September 4, 1864. After she married Thomas Owen Parker she joined the Methodist Church, as her husband was a member of the Methodist Church. Thomas Owen Parker and J N Parker, his brother bought 1000 head of cattle for $4000 from their father, John Parker on November 19, 1870. John Parker later sold 2000 head of cattle for $10000 to Thomas O and J N Parker on May 16, 1877. Thomas Owen Parker moved to the Joshua Creek settlement in Manatee (now DeSoto) County. He purchased 200 acres of land in that area from 1879 to 1882. Thomas Owen Parker was a leading cattleman and citrus grower in DeSoto County. He was a member of the first Board of County Commissioners in DeSoto County after the county was established in 1887. He was on the building committee for construction of a courthouse at Arcadia in 1888. Thomas Parker was a representative from DeSoto County to the State Legislature in 1891. He sold to King Brothers in March of 1905 cattle branded T.P. located in DeSoto and Lee Counties. His children Philip, Jane, Mary and her husband, and Bertha and her husband, sold their cattle to King Brothers also that year. Thomas Owen Parker was visiting his son, Philip, at Buchanan in Hardee County and suffered a stroke in May 1918. He was moved back to Arcadia. He died May 11, 1918 at Joshua Creek, Florida. Sarah Louisa Blount Parker died April 4, 1929 at Arcadia, Florida.