William Parker was born in St John, New Brunswick in January 1790, the son of UE Loyalist Sgt. John Parker of the New York Volunteers and his wife Nancy Watson.  John and Nancy were born and married in County Cork, Ireland, emigrating to Nova Scotia, but then moving to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania in 1776.  Following the American Revolution, they returned to Nova Scotia before making their way to Wainfleet Twp., Lincoln County, Upper Canada.

When the call came out in June 1812 for ordinary citizens to volunteer to form regiments, William and his brothers,  George and Samuel came forward, serving as privates in the Lincoln Militia. William joined the 1st Flank 3rd Regiment Lincoln Militia under Captain John Warren.  Samuel was killed in July 1812.  William’s service is well documented in the War of 1812 Upper Canada Returns, Nominal Rolls and Paylists, RG 9 1B7.  As well, he received a Certificate of Service which allowed him to receive 100 acres of land for his service.  On 27 Jan 1816, William received his Order in Council, entitling him to 200 acres of land as the son of a UE Loyalist.

William married Nancy Sensabaugh .  She was born in Lincoln County, Upper Canada c1795, the daughter of UE Loyalist Christian Sensabaugh and Jane Hammond.  In 1836 Jane received her Order in Council, entitling her to 200 acres of land as the daughter of a UE Loyalist.  She purchased Lot 15 Conc 1, Yarmouth Twp., Elgin County.  William and Nancy had at least nine children:

• Watson, b1814, Yarmouth Twp., m Rebecca
• Wellington b 22 May 1819, Yarmouth Twp., m 1. Thyrza Fisher (d1849), 2. Mary Bloom (d1864), 3. Hannah Merritt (d1871) and 4. Phoebe Ann Dennis
• Nelson b1821, Yarmouth Twp, m Ruth Almiria Keillor
• Lucinda b1823, Yarmouth Twp, m William Warburton
• Mary J, b1825, Yarmouth Twp, m John Adair
• Elizabeth “Betty,” b1829 Yarmouth Twp, m Samuel Alexander McDowell
• Rebecca, b1835 Yarmouth Twp, m Mr. Fisher
• William Henry, b1836, Yarmouth Twp
• Sidney I, b1841, Yarmouth Twp

William died 28 May 1871 at the home farm in Dexter, Yarmouth Twp and was buried in Seminary Cemetery.  Nancy died six months later in January 1872 and was buried beside him.