Parker in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William C. Parker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
1. William C. Parker Marker
William Claiborne Parker, known to his friends as “Uncle Billy,” was the namesake of Parker Road and the community of Parker, Texas. Born June 6, 1836, in Mississippi, he was the oldest son of John W. Parker who journeyed to Collin County before 1850. Probably after hearing the tales of magnificent opportunity in Texas, William’s father and stepmother, Mary, settled in Old Decatur to operate a general store. William moved to Collin County.
After William’s first wife, L.A. Parker died, he married Sarah Grayum. They settled on Maxwell Creek just north of present day Parker Road. William was a member and ruling elder of Corinth Presbyterian Church, where he served as the Clerk of Session from 1894-1898, and was a delegate representing the Corinth congregation at meetings of the local Presbytery.
During the Civil War William enlisted as a blacksmith in Buford’s Regiment. Two of his brothers, John Thomas Parker and James David Parker, died in service of the Confederacy. Only William and his brother, Samuel survived the war. William became the administrator of the Parker estate upon the death of his father. Following the war, he purchased a gristmill which was owned by J. E. Cox and located on Maxwell Creek. The mill was operated by oxen and later by a windmill. He also operated a cotton gin located just south of Parker Road; it operated first by mule power and later by steam engine fueled by wood and coal.
William Claiborne Parker passed away on May 12, 1898, and was buried in the Decatur, Maxwell, Murphy Cemetery. His wives, a number of his infant children, and daughter, Amanda Jane, who was accidently burned
this page online
Erected by Collin County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1898.
Location. 33° 3.289′ N, 96° 37.279′ W. Marker is in Parker, Texas, in Collin County. It is at the intersection of East Parker Road and McMenamy Ln, on the right when traveling east on East Parker Road. The marker is located on the grounds of the Parker City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5700 E Parker Rd, Allen TX 75002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: T.L. Johnson Store (here, next to this marker); Welcome to the Preserve (here, next to this marker); 1st Lt. Charles P. Moses, U.S. Army (a few steps from this marker); Parker Cotton Gin (within shouting distance of this marker); Corinth Presbyterian Church (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Comfort Allen and Lydia McMillen Farm (approx. 1˝ miles away); First Baptist Church of Murphy (approx. 1.8 miles away); McMillen Cemetery (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
2. William C. Parker Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 2, 2026
3. William C. Parker Marker
The marker stands on the right side of the two markers.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 4, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
