Career
Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, Parker joined the Navy as a midshipman on January 1, 1808. During the War of 1812 he was captured at sea. He was commissioned lieutenant on March 9, 1813, commander on March 3, 1825, and captain on March 3, 1835.
In 1821, he served in United States Ship Constitution, and he assumed command of her in 1842.
In 1851, as a commodore, he commanded the Home Squadron.