The Parker Society proudly presents their contestant for the Fall Back into Time contest, John P. Parker (1827 – February 4). He was an African American inventor, industrialist and abolitionist who secretly participated in the Underground Railroad resistance movement. His house on Front Street in Ripley, Ohio is a National Historic Landmark. It is believed that Parker helped over 600 slaves escape to freedom.

John Parker is portrayed by James Settles. Rev. Settles is a direct descendant of former slaves who escaped from Mason County and a Ripley native. He is the pastor of the Beebe Chapel C.M.E. Church in Ripley and a counselor at Maysville Community and Technical College.