Nellie R Klemme

(1871-1961)

Nellie R. Klemme was born on March 10, 1871, in Howard County, Iowa, the only child of William Henry Klemme and Mary Augusta Bolles

She married James Donaldson Parker on August 23, 1892, in Ridgeway, Iowa.

Education and Musical Career

Nellie graduated from Upper Iowa University in 1890. She continued her studies at a private music school in Boston from 1890 to 1891, where she became acquainted with Eleanor Hodgman Porter, later known as the author of the Pollyanna series.

Following her studies, Nellie taught music at St. Charles College in Missouri from 1891 to 1892.

Family Life

Nellie R. Klemme and James Donaldson Parker had three children over a period of ten years:

• Hugh Klemme Parker (1894–1974)
• Dorothy Lakin Parker (1896–1966)
• Eleanor Bolles Parker (1904–1988)

Later Years and Legacy

Nellie R. Klemme Parker died on October 31, 1961, in Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of 90. She was laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery in Fayette, Iowa.

Her life reflects a blend of education, music, and family, with ties to both the cultural life of Boston and the academic community of Fayette.