WILLIAM J. PARKER, a prominent citizen and the leading contractor an builder of the town of Avalon, Pa., was born in Findlay township Allegheny Co., Pa., Jan. 5, 1855. His parents, Robert and Margaret (Ferguson) Parker, were native of County Down, Ireland, but came to America in 1845, settling in Pittsburg, Pa. William is one of a family of seven children. His father, Robert Parker, was born in Ireland, and came to America the same year as his parents. He died on his way back to Ireland on a visit, and his remains rest in the cemetery of Hillsboro, Ireland. Robert Parker was a shoemaker by trade, but owing t his failing health, he was advised to engage in farm work for the benefit from the outdoor air and exercise. Following this advice, he removed to Moon township, where he became a successful farmer, and afterward achieved considerable reputation as a stock dealer. Much of the farm work and the responsibilities of the management fell upon William, thus restricting his opportunities to acquire an education, though he managed to attend, for a time, the schools of his native township. The lessons he learned in contact with the actual duties and demands of his father's business were perhaps more valuable to him in his life-work than mere book-learning would have been. At the age of twenty-one years he began learning the trade of carpenter and being of a mechanical turn of mind, he soon became one of the best workmen in the county. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Herman Knoppf for the purpose of carrying on the business of contracting and building. This partnership lasted about four years, since which time Mr. Parker has conducted the business alone. His work has been confined mainly to the suburban towns about Pittsburg and Allegheny city. Avalon the town in which he resides, has a population of over 4,000, yet a majority of the residences have been erected under his personal supervision. Honesty and punctuality have been his distinguishing characteristics throughout his entire business career, and his highest aim has been to bring to the town of Avalon a good class of citizens. His unselfish devotion to the public wealth won him the regard of his fellow townsmen and he has been called upon to serve as burgess and in council, and has for several years been a member of the board of education in all matters pertaining to state or national politics, he is an unswerving republican, and he is an influential factor in determining the local politics of his party. Besides his large business as a contractor, Mr. Parker is interested in a number of other enterprises. He is a stockholder in the Bellevue realty, savings and trust company; the Allegheny fire insurance company of Allegheny city; the Trilby mining company, of Idaho; the Ohio Valley building and loan association, of Avalon; the Frank Vogel company, Manufacturers of pickles and preserves in which he s also a director; the Masonic Hall association, of Allegheny city, and the Crawford County electric railroad company, of which he was one of the chief organizers. Mr. Parker is prominent in Masonic circles, being a member and past master of Allegheny lodge, No. 223, Free and Accepted Masons; a past high priest of Allegheny chapter, No. 217, Royal Arch Masons; member of Allegheny commandery, No. 35 Knights Templars, in which he is also one of the drill corps; Allegheny council; Pittsburg consistory, in which he holds the thirty-second degree, and Syria temple, Ancient and Accepted Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, in which he holds a life membership. He is also a life member, as well as a charter member, of Allegheny lodge, No. 339, B.P.O. Elks; West Bellevue council, No. 240, Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and Clifton lodge, No. 1066, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. On Dec. 30, 1886, he was married to Miss Emma J. Dickson, daughter of James Dickson, of Neville Island. To this marriage there have been born seven children, viz.; Xenia B., William Jerome, Jr., Margaretta F., James Dickson, David La Verne, Samuel Hugh and Algernon Bell, the two last named being twins. Mrs. Parker has a natural talent in music and was for a number of years an in instructor and organist in the Presbyterian church of Neville island.

Memoirs of Allegheny County
Page 413 & 414