"History of Lawrence, Orange and Washington Co.'s, Indiana"
Goodspeed Bros. and Co., 1884


REV. ROBERT M. PARKS was born in Bono Township, Lawrence County, Indiana,
December 16, 1815, one of seven children born to PLEASANT and ESTHER
(CARLTON) PARKS, who emigrated from BURKE COUNTY, NC, to Lawrence County in
1815, and made  it their home the remainder of their days.  Pleasant Parks
was elected from this county  to the Indiana House of Representatives two
terms, and in early days was a Colonel of State militia.  He and wife were
charter members of the Baptist Church of this county.  Robert M. Parks was
educated in the country schools of the county and Lawrence County Seminary.
At twenty-one years of age he began teaching school, which he continued for
twenty years, and in March, 1837, united with the Baptist Church four miles
east of Bedford.  Since that time until the present the greater part of his
life has been passed in preaching and teaching, largely in his native
county.  March 1, 1842, his marriage with Miss JANE T. SHORT was solemnized,
and this lady has indeed been his helpmate, taking an active interest with
her husband in all matters pertaining to religion or education.  For nearly
twenty years Mr. Parks served as Clerk of the Bedford Association of
Baptists, at the same time acting as Moderator.  He undoubtedly has married
more couples and attended more funerals than any man now in the county.  In
politics he is a Democrat but was opposed to slavery and is an active worker
in the temperance cause.  For a time he was Postmaster under President
Pierce's administration, and by an upright life has gained many warm friends
and few enemies.  Mrs. parks has been a church member fifty-two years,
joining when only twelve years old.


Data Entry Volunteer:  Diana Flynn  "ivie@tima.com"