The town's Parker Point, off Gilman Road, is now named for him.
His home became a garrison, set up to protect against Native Indian attacks.
His parents were killed in the Groton Massacre of 1694, leaving James an orphan at the age of seven.
His brother, Phinehas, was taken hostage for four years, before a ransom was met for his release.
[3][4] In 1714, Parker married Sarah Ireson of Lynn, Province of Massachusetts.