Chrisman H. Parker, P. O., Elmwood, farmer. Was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, July 12, 1828. His father, James Parker was English. His mother was of French descent. He was raised in Claiborne county, and farmed with his father till he was eighteen years old, then volunteered in the Mexican war, but was not received at that time. He returned home and went to Kentucky. In 1847, at Summerset, he volunteered again, was received and went first to Louisville, where he was mustered in about September. Went to News Orleans by steamboat, there took ship and landed at Vera Cruz last of November. He was under Cerro Gordo Williams. Being under the second call, was not in any regular engagement. Was honorably discharged July 25, 1848, when he returned to his home in Tennessee, and entered the academy at Taewell. April, 1849, he came to Uno, Cass county, Missouri, and located his land warrant. He went to school in Cass county five months, taught school three months, sold his land and went to California the 1st of May, arriving there the 20th of September, and worked in the mines about a year and a-half, then went via. San Francisco, across the isthmus of Panama, on the Atlantic, to Cuba, to Key West, and to New York, where he came by railroad (except across Lake Erie, to Cincinnati, where he took stage to Summerset Kentucky. Was married February 24, 1853 at Summerset, to Miss Lucy Crain. By this wife he has eleven children: Arzela, Alfred, Judson, Andrew D., Annie, Charles H., Clarence, Kate, Amber, Pearlie, and Harry. Came to Saline county April 24, 1853, and has resided here since, except whilst in the war. Enlisted in the United States service August 9, 1862, under Capt. Love, a recruiting officer. Was in the United Sates service till the close of the war. Was wounded in the battle at Brownsville, Kansas, August 25, 1863, but was not disabled from service, though he was shot in several places. Was taken prisoner by the bushwhackers in February, 1863. After some abuse and travel, was released and returned to his command. Was in battles at Lone Jack, Prairie Grove, Van Buren, Brownsville, (Kansas,) Little Rock, Moore’s Bottom, and Saline River. Was discharged June 13, 1865. He returned home to Saline county, where he has since resided. Mater Mason and Odd Fellow.
