Milas Roberson "Burney" Parker
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native Texan and the grandson of a pioneer Nueces County sheriff, Milas Roberson "Burney" Parker grew up in Lee and Washington counties. He served as Washington County Road Superintendent for fourteen years before he was elected county treasurer in 1908. He resigned that office in 1914 to run for sheriff, a position he held during the difficult period of World War I and Prohibition. In 1926 Parker and his family moved to Houston, where he died in 1932.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A native Texan and grandson of a pioneer Nueces County sheriff, Milas Roberson "Burney" Parker rose through local government, serving fourteen years as Washington County's road superintendent before winning election as county treasurer in 1908. In 1914 he resigned to become sheriff, holding that office through the turbulent years of World War I and Prohibition. He later moved his family to Houston, where he died in 1932.
Why it matters
His career illustrates the everyday work of county officials who built roads and kept order in rural America during an era of world war and social upheaval.
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Related people
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Themes & tags
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