Cumberland County, Maine - Gardner Merrill Parker
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Biography
Gardner Merrill Parker
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 568-569


Gardner Merrill Parker, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of Gorham, was
born in North Scarboro, which is now a part of Gorham, Me., September 26, 1833,
son of John M. and Louise (Worcester) Parker. John M. Parker was born near Steep
Falls in the town of Standish, and by the death of his father was left dependent
upon his own resources at an early age. He engaged in farming, also keeping a
general country store for some time, and was Deputy Sheriff and Collector for
several years. His wife, Louise Worcester, who was a daughter of Thomas
Worcester, of Gorham, became the mother of ten children, five sons and five
daughters, of whom Gardner M., the subject of this sketch, was the fifth born.

Gardner Merrill Parker received his education in the common schools of his
native town, and subsequently learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed
as a journeyman for ten years. He then returned to the homestead, where he
engaged in agricultural pursuits, carrying on the farm for two years. In 1868 he
was appointed Deputy Sheriff, a position which he ably filled a greater part of
the time until 1895. He was Tax Collector from 1890 to 1893, and in that
capacity rendered faithful and valuable service to the town. He now owns a good
farm of thirty-four acres, which he cultivates successfully, devoting
considerable attention to the raising of fruit.

On January 1, 1860, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Sarah M. Meserve,
daughter of Deacon Samuel Meserve, a prosperous farmer of Gorham, and has three
children, as follows: Esther L., residing at home; Nellie C., who is a school
teacher in Manchester, N.H.; and Gardner M., Jr. Mr. Parker is a member of
Harmony Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M.; Gorham Lodge, No. 98, Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, of which he is Treasurer; and Dirigo Lodge, Knights of Pythias, of
which he is now Secretary. He is also connected with the Gorham Grange. He has
held the principal chairs in all of these lodges, except the Masonic. Mr. Parker
is a Republican in politics, and his religious views lead him to attend the
Congregational church.