Notes for Arthur Lemuel PARKS


DeKalb Bio on Arthur Parks
Arthur L. Parks a farmer, stock raiser and breeder of Victor Township lives on section 28 and has an excellent property which is known as the Willow Dale Stock Farm. He was born April 3 1869. His father Edward Parks, was a native of New York born near Lockport and after spending his youth in the Empire State came west to Illinois when a young man, casting in his lot with the early settlers of DeKalb Co. He was accompanied by two brothers and he purchased raw land, which he brought under the plow and transformed into rich and productive fields. In the course of time he owned a good farm and was recognized as one of the foremost agriculturists of the community.
Edward Parks was married in this county to Miss Margaret Gould, a native of Prince Edward Island and took his bride to his arm, where he continued to till the soil for a number of years. He likewise opened up the farm upon which his son Arthur now resides, owning two hundred and thirteen acres. It remained his place of residence until 1896 when he removed to Franklin Co. Kansas. He purchased and still owns a farm of nearly twelve hundred acres there, being one of the leading agriculturists of that part of the state. He lost his wife Dept. 29, 1906.
Arthur L. Parks was one of a family of six sons and one daughter, all of whom are yet living. No even of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his boyhood days. He was educated in the common schools at Leland and when not busy with his text books his time and energies were largely devoted to general agricultural pursuits. He rented land and farmed the place for several years before his marriage and in fact throughout this entire life has spent his energies to work of tilling the soil.
As a companion and helpmate for life's journey Jr. Parks chose Ella Bend, one of Victor townships native daughters. She was reared here and they were married on the 12th of Feb. 1894. Her father was Lewis Bend, one of the early settlers who came here from England. Following his marriage Mr. Parks engaged in farming on his father's land and afterward purchased the property, continuing its cultivation for four years when he sold out and bought the old homestead, to which he removed in 1902. Which characteristic energy he began is further cultivation and improvement and his labors have been productive of excellent results. He tiled and fenced the land and has greatly augmented the fertility of the soil through the rotation of crops. He has also engaged in raising pure blooded shorthorn cattle, beginning this business in 1903. He now has a herd of thirteen pure blooded animals and also has some pure blooded Jersey Duroc hogs and Shropshire sheep. His stock raising interests constitute an import branch of the business and his careful management, keen discernment of unfaltering energy have made him a prosperous farmer.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parks have been born three children: Shelby H, Alta M. and Ada all of whom are at home. Politically Mr. Parks is a republican, having always supported that party, and is now a highway commissioner, having filled that office for two years. He is also a member of the school board and is a district clerk. Throughout out his entire life he has been a resident of the county and has witnessed the transformation which has wrought in the conversion of once wild land into valuable farms. He stands for advancement in all lines of public interest and among his acquaintances are many who entertain for him the highest regard.