Excerpt of the book "Writer and Engraver's Picture of Graham County's Progress Since Its Organization" (1906)

Dr. Ivan B. Parker

(pages 43-44)

Hill City has its full quota of intelligent, enterprising and energetic business men who see the possibilities which this county presents for the creation of homes and the location of industries. They are willing to devote both time and money to community advancement.

Such men are termed "builders of cities" and they are rightly named. Among their number none have demonstrated their value to the best interest of the city more effectually than has Dr. Ivan B. Parker.

Dr. Parker was born in Delaware county, Iowa, in 1871, and moved to Graham county 21 years ago with his mother who homesteaded south of Millbrook. He received his early education in Millbrook and later attended the State Agricultural College at Manhattan where he took the B.A. degree in 1891.

For a year he traveled on the Pacific coast and after returning, was married to Miss Mary L. Findley of Millbrook, in September, 1892. To this union 6 children were born, 4 of whom are living.

In 1894 Dr. Parker took his M.D. degree from the Kansas City Medical College and began to practice medicine in Morland. But times were hard and he taught school a part of two years to help meet expenses.

In 1898 Dr. Parker came with his family to Hill City where he built up a splendid practice, but in 1903 sold his practice to Dr. Lottie Findley and went to Oregon where he engaged in the lumber business. On account of his health he left Oregon and traveled extensively in the west, returning to Hill City this year and resuming his practice.

Dr. Parker has natural skill and adaptability to his profession and has been exceptionally successful both as a physician and surgeon. He has a good practice.

Dr. Parker is President of the Graham County State Bank, also, director of the Citizens State Bank of Morland.

He is erecting a modern two story residence which will cost some $2,500. He owns some valuable Graham county lands and a number of town lots in Hill City.