Vern Parker was born in May, 1889, to James Madison Parker, wagonmaster and blacksmith, and Anna Bills, in Hanford, California.  He and his twin sister were the last of seven children.  Little is known of his early years.  He became best-known as a painter and woodcarver in the 40s and 50s when he carved gates and signs for the wealthy ranchers and landowners in Santa Ynez, California.  His carvings remain on display at the Santa Ynez Historical Museum, and a stagecoach ca (showing 500 of 1556 characters).