This branch of the Parker family in New York state descends from Alexander Parker, a native of the north of Ireland, where he married and has issue.
(II) William Henry, son of Alexander Parker, was born in the north of Ireland, where he grew to manhood. The family were members of the Presbyterian church in which faith William H. was reared. He was associated with the organization of Orange men and in full sympathy with his Protestant brethren. He came to the United States, and settled in Hudson, Columbia county, New York. He had little capital, but by close economy managed to get a small sum saved with which he purchased a team and did general teaming. He soon became engaged in the ice business, teaming during the day for others, hauling and storing his ice at night. In this way he soon became well established and continued a most successful career, dying possessed of a large estate. He was not only a man of great industry, but of unusual business ability as well. He was upright and honorable in his business dealings, holding the respect and confidence of his townsmen. He continued his membership in the Presbyterian church until death, and affiliated with the Republican party. He married (first) Agnes McKague. Children:
- Phoebe, died in 1907; married Albert Lamsure.
- John, deceased.
- Annie, resides in Chicago, Illinois; widow of John Lee; children: Henry, Alice, John, Benjamin and Alexander.
- Samuel M., of further mention.
He married (second) Ellen Maney. Children:
- William H.
- Edward M.
(III) Samuel McKague, fourth and youngest child of William Henry and Agnes (McKague) Parker, was born in Hudson, New York, where he died January 13, 1908. He was educated in the public schools and at Hudson Academy. After finishing his studies he was engaged with his father in the ice business until the retirement of the latter, when in company with his brother John he succeeded to the business to which they added a coal yard. The brothers continued in business as partners until the death of John Parker, when Samuel M. continued alone until his death in 1908. He was a prosperous and efficient man of business and possessed of considerable real estate in his city. He adhered to the family religion and was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church of Hudson. In political belief he affiliated with the Democratic party. He was a member of the Masonic order and of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Mr. Parker married, in Hudson, Elizabeth Frances, daughter of Allen J. Race, of Hudson. Children:
- Allen J., born in Hudson where he is engaged in the livery business; married Mary Powers.
- Edith May, married William H. Clapp, of Hudson, connected with the office of the county clerk of Hudson county; child, Dorothy Elizabeth.
- Ada Ella.
- Hilda Belle.
Allen J. Race, father of Elizabeth Frances (Race) Parker, was born in the north of Ireland in the same parish the Parkers lived. He married Samantha, daughter of William H. and Frances (White) Tunner, and had issue. He was the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Race, who for many years kept the old tavern on the turnpike between Humphreyville and Greenport, called the "Race Inn." This was a famous and popular resort where many dances and suppers were given in the early days.