1872: Henry Parker

Henry Parker, Woodstock

Born in England in 1832, Henry Parker arrived in Canada in 1833, settling near Peterborough, before relocating to Oxford County, where he operated a grain business in Woodstock. 

He served as a Deputy Reeve on County Council in 1863 and again in 1880-1883. He was elected Mayor of Woodstock in 1868-1869, and served as Reeve on County Council from 1870-1872. In 1872, he was elected Warden. Unfortunately, his term is marked with County Treasurer, James Kintrea, absconded with over $10,000 in County funds. 

He was elected to a seat in the council of the Agricultural and Arts Association of Ontario and served as a directorate of the Western Dairyman’s Association, where he filled the office of President of the Provincial Board during 1886. For many years he was active in the Oxford Agricultural Society and at the time of his death on December 3, 1886 he was County Police Magistrate; a position he had held for many years.  He is buried at Hillview Cemetery, Woodstock.