S. G. Parks
S. G. Parks, a representative business man of the city of Lima, proprietor of large livery, feed and sale stables, at No. 216 East Market street, was born near Willshire, Van Wert County, Ohio, in 1864, being a son of Samuel and Sarah A. (Philbee) Parks.
The father of Mr. Parks was a pioneer settler of Van Wert County, locating there when he country was a wilderness. He lived into advanced age, dying in April, 1903. He married Sarah A. Phillbee and they reared a family of ten children five sons and five daughters, all of whom survive. For almost a half century both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
S. G. Parks was reared on his father's farm, and was educated in the local schools. He was 24 years old when he left the farm, going to Decatur, Indiana, where for one year he engaged in a livery business. He continue to conduct a similar business at Van Wert for two years, and at Willshire for two years, and, during the excitement attending the first operations in oil, operated a livery stable at Mendon, Ohio. In July, 1895, Mr. Parks purchased the livery at Spencerville and in addition to his Mendon barn, operated two establishments at the former place. Later he sold his Mendon interests, but continued at Spencerville until 1899, when he also disposed of his business there and bought the fine establishment, of which he is still proprietor, at Lima. In addition to this prospering business, Mr. Parks has had numerous oil interests, of which he has disposed. He is a large property owner in this city, including business blocks and dwellings, located on East Market street and Central avenue. He is numbered with the city's substantial men.
On March 4, 1885, Mr. Parks was married to Hulda Royston, of Willshire township, Van Wert County, who is the daughter of Moses Royston, one of the pioneers of that county who still survives at the age of 87 years. Mr. and Mrs. Parks have two children, viz: Orla L., a student at the Lima Business College; and Pearl D., a student at the Lima High School.