Career
Born about 1832 in Boston, Parker was still living in that city when he joined the Navy. He served during the Civil War as a captain of the afterguard on the United States Ship Cayuga. At the Battle of Forts Jackson and Saint Philip near New Orleans on April 24, 1862, he was stationed at the ship"s wheel and "conscientiously performed his duties" despite heavy fire.
In 1894, Parker was a sailmaker"s mate newly assigned to the United States Ship San Francisco (C-5).
He was arrested for drunkenness while ashore in Brooklyn that year and court-martialed. The court found Parker guilty but handed down no punishment.
