According to Shattuck’s Memorials52, “(3.) Capt. JOSEPH PARKER was the ancestor of the most numerous branches of the Parker families in Groton and its vicinity. He is supposed to have been a brother of James above mentioned. He owned a large estate in Groton, but he was considered an inhabitant of Dunstable, probably in that section of the town, which was originally a part of Chelmsford, and subsequently included within the bounds of Pepperell. The official seal of Groton, or ‘town’s brand marke’ was adopted by the State on his petition. (Massachusetts Records, Vol. IX., Part II., p. 301.) In 1675 he and his son were attacked by the Indians. (N. H. Hist. Col., Vol. III., p. 91.) He was constable of Dunstable from 1675 to 1682. In the latter year the town voted ‘Yt Joseph Parker have 20 shillings allowed him for his seven years’ service as constable.’ He was chosen one of the selectmen and a member of the ‘committee for managing town affairs.’ In 1681 he bought of the town of Groton 300 acres of the common land for £15, a part of which was in the vicinity of Babatasset Falls. He died intestate in 1690, leaving a large property. About 700 acres of land, lying in Chelmsford and Groton, was valued in 1698 at £178 sterling. (Probate Records.) Six of his [p. 376] children by MARGARET, his wife, are entered upon the Chelmsford Records” and Shattuck lists them here.

According to Richardson,53 “Joseph Parker resided successively at Woburn, Chelmsford, Groton, Dunstable, and again at Chelmsford, Mass. He had children with both wives.”

The late immigration date of Joseph Parker and his wife Margaret merits study, as most immigration to New England ceased by the mid-1640s. Perhaps they simply came over at this late date to join other family members who had migrated earlier.