Alvin Parker
Alvin Parker (1850-1888) was a post master and superintendent of schools in Scott County.
See Also: Scott County School Superintendents
Preceded By: Laban Riseden • Succeeded By: J.Q. Cross
Early Life
Little is known about the life of Alvin Parker, except that he was born in 1850. Based on census records, it appears that he was the son of Jane Parker, who later married John Sexton. It isn’t clear who his father was.
In the 1860 census, 10-year-old Alvin Parker was one of two children living in Jane Parker’s home, along with 12-year-old Louvina Parker. A 20-year-old Crecia Buttram also lived at the home and was listed as a hired servant.
In his book, Scott County in the Civil War, Paul Roy noted that Parker was originally from North Carolina. However, Parker later told census enumerators that he was born in Tennessee and that his mother was born in Tennessee. Based on the same census, taken in 1880, it appears that Parker did not know who his father was.
Family
Parker married Rhoda Ann Potter (1855-1904) on Sept. 8, 1870. She was the daughter of John Potter and Jane Buttram.
The Parkers had at least two children: Ella J., born about 1872, Rosey D., born about 1878, and Bess, born about 1888. Ella married John Stanley on Sept. 17, 1893. Bess later married Harrison Phillips.
Professional Life
Parker enlisted in the Union army during the Civil War. Records show that he was a private in Company K, 30th Kentucky Mounted Infantry, serving from Feb. 1, 1864 through April 18, 1864. He would have only been around 14 years of age when he joined the service.
By the 1880 census, Parker’s profession was listed as post master.
Superintendent of Schools
Parker was appointed Scott County Superintendent of Schools by the county court in 1873. He served one term, succeeding Laban Riseden. He was replaced by J.Q. Cross in 1875.
Death
Parker died in 1888 at the age of about 38. He was buried at New River Cemetery.
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