Orange

PARKER, Harry Elwood

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 298-299 
(portrait p 299)

Harry Elwood PARKER, of Bradford [Orange County, Vermont], was born 11 June 
1853 in the town of Lyman [Grafton County], New Hampshire, son of Charles and 
Amelia (BENNETT) PARKER. His education was received in the local schools of 
Lyman, and at Lisbon Academy [Lisbon, Grafton County, New Hampshire], in 
which town his family took up their residence in 1863. Possessing fine 
musical ability, he devoted himself to the study of this art for several 
years, and at the age of sixteen was the leader of a military band in Marion 
[Amyth County], Virginia. In 1869 he commenced to learn the trade of a 
printer, relinquished it for a time, but resumed this occupation in 1872. 
Five years later he commenced the publication of the "Lisbon Globe," a small 
five-column sheet.

In 1881 Mr. PARKER removed to Bradford [Orange County, Vermont], consolidated 
the rival papers of the place and established the "United Opinion." Under 
his able management the circulation of the paper largely increased. Mr. 
PARKER is also half owner of the "Record," Plymouth [Grafton County], New 
Hampshire, and the "Northern Herald" of Lisbon [Grafton County], New 
Hampshire, in addition to which he does a large job printing business, the 
arrangements for which, including a spacious and convenient building, are 
said to be superior to any country establishment of its kind in New England. 
He is president of the Opinion Manufacturing Company (newspaper folders), and 
president of the Bradford Loan and Building Association. In 1878 he was 
chosen engrossing clerk of the New Hampshire Legislature, a lucrative and 
responsible position, to which he was again elected in 1879 and 1880. His 
busy life has not given him much leisure for attention to public affairs, but 
he was appointed postmaster for the town of Bradford in 1890. He is the 
president of the Vermont Editors and Publishers Association for 1893, and he 
has been selected by Governor FULLER as aid-de-camp upon his staff with the 
rank of colonel.

Col. PARKER is very prominent in the circles of Odd Fellowship, being P. C. 
P. of Trotter Encampment of Bradford, and grand secretary of the Grand Lodge 
of Vermont, having held that position since 1887. He is also a Free Mason, 
affiliating with Charity Lodge No. 43; Mt. Lebanon Chapter No. 11, Royal Arch 
Masons; Bradford Council No. 11, of Bradford; Palestine Commandery No. 5, of 
St. Johnsbury, and Mt. Sinai Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of 
Montpelier. He is deputy supreme regent of the Royal Arcanum. He is a 
spirited advocate all village improvements, heartily devoted to the interests 
of his town and section, always on the alert to introduce new enterprises, 
and a progressive and popular editor. On 24 September 1873 at Nashua 
[Hillsborough County], New Hampshire he [Harry Elwood PARKER] was married to 
Anna M., daughter of William S. and Sarah (EMERSON) WESTON, this union 
blessed with five children: Leslie Weston (died in infancy), Katherine 
Louise, Sarah Knowles, Charles, and Levi.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly