River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1925-12-31
River Falls Grand Old Man
Is Called BY Death On His
98th Birthday Anniversary

dian Stream Republic actually came
to blows, and almost involved the
United States and Great Britain in a
third war with the king Of the Meth
erlands aligned against the then IL
FAINT United States government.
When the treaty of 1888 was sign
ed between the United States and
England, a tiny valley, tucked away
in the hills of New Hampshire, was
forgotten. Settlers discovered that
they were without a government.
They belonged to neither America
nor Canada. Both countries had
"proof" that the section belonged to
them.
Settlers Set Up Republic
Meanwhile the settlers set up 4 re-
public, with a constitution, an army
a congress, and all the other necess-
airy forms of government. Luther
Parker was chosen president of the
little independent country, which,
seething with internal turmoil, and
beset by both the United States and
Canada, survived for 10 years, with
Luther Parker fighting for continued
independence.
In 1884, Charles d. Parker's father
was arrested by Canadian authorit-
les, charged with attacking a queens
subject with knife, and releas d on
bail. After that, the president petit
toned for admission to the state of
New Hampshire, on behalf of the re-
public. New Hampshire sent a con-
stable to arrest John Tyler, one of
the Canadian factionists. On their
way back, the constable was ambush
ed and Tyler taken from him.
The Canadian forces then captured
a man named Blanchard, one of the
"New Hampshire boys" as the re-
public patriots were known. One of
Blanchard's sons spread the alarm,
in a second Paul Revere's ride, and
the Canadians in turn were ambushed
by the Parker faction. On this oc-
casion, Charles d. Parker watched
the attack on the home Of constable
of Canada, who was dragged from
the house and spanked with the fat
Of a sword"
Later, Charles Parker warned his
father Of plan to capture him, and
then proceeded to load muskets while
the republic troops beat off a Canad-
ian attack. Shortly after that, the
United States and England arbritrat-
ed on theA boundary question and
Daniel Webster Of America and Lord
Asburton of England finally agreed
on a boundary.
Before the dispute fually was set
tied, however, Captain Mooney bad
final clash with the Canadians,
which also was witnessed by Charles
Parker. The troops Of Mooney sur
rounded the home of Emot hrplebee,
and finally arrested him and let him
to Lancaster Jail, where he was held
for year.
Ir 1912, just SO years age, when
Charles d. Parker was Is years old,
the dispute finally was settled and
the territory was awarded to the
United States. The work of the Park
ers was completed, and Luther Park
er journeyed westward to settle Mil
waukee. The capital of the little re-
public of which he had been the sole
president. was named Pittsburg, and
the valley returned to sleep and to
be forgotten by historians.
Luther Parker returned to Indian
Stream in 1853 to die. He was buried
in the little Durham cemetery, where
once he had been president Of re-
public within a republic.
Charles D. Parker is survived by
four sons, Marco L., Lincoln H., DR..
Elmer H., all of River Falls, Wis,
and DR.. Rupert NJ. of Chicago.
Thirteen grandchildren and II great