Charles E. Parker Papers

Charles Edmund Parker (1839-1923) was a prominent citizen of Vergennes, Vermont. He was born on February 21, 1839, to Henrietta and William (1803-1868) Parker. His father, an important citizen, served as mayor and state legislator, as well as engaging in mercantile pursuits until his death. Henrietta Parker was originally Henrietta Miller of Wallingford, Vermont. Her line of descent may be traced back to John Alden. In 1856 Charles entered Norwich Military Academy, and then in 1858 he went to Dartmouth College, which he graduated from in 1860. With the onset of the Civil War, Charles was commissioned as a first lieutenant and adjutant of the Seventh Vermont Infantry in the fall of 1861. A promotion to the Captain of Company E. came though on December 9, 1862. The Seventh Vermont served in the Department of the Gulf from 1862 to 1866, but poor health led to Parker’s permanent return to Vermont in 1863. He served in the State Militia for the remainder of the war. In 1866 Charles Edmund Parker married Agnes W. Ripley of Rutland. She was the daughter of William Y. Ripley, the pioneer marble dealer of Rutland. Her brothers included the Generals Edward H. and William Y.W. Ripley. Charles became an active member of the community participating in both business and social activities in Vergennes. He was involved with several companies including Falardo and Parker, manufacturers of sashes, doors, and blinds, the Vergennes Electric Light Company, Strong and Parker, which sold a road grader, and the Vergennes Steam Launch Co. He invested extensively in companies throughout the U.S. in addition to his own companies in Vermont. Parker also served the town in which he lived. In 1885 he was elected mayor. Several times he served as the superintendent of schools, and in 1894 he represented Vergennes in the state legislature. Other organizations benefited from his assistance including the St. Paul's Episcopal Church, of which he was a senior warden, the Vergennes Library, and the Vergennes Dramatic Club.