Isaac Parker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Isaac Charles Parker
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Painting of Judge Isaac Parker, circa 1896.
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| U.S. District Judge presiding over the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas | |
| In office March 19, 1875 – November 25, 1896 |
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| Nominated by | Ulysses S. Grant |
| Preceded by | William Story |
| Succeeded by | John Henry Rogers |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Missouri's 7th district |
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| In office March 4, 1871 – March 4, 1875 |
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| Preceded by | Joel Funk Asper |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Theodore Crittenden |
| Judge of the 12th Missouri Circuit Court | |
| In office 1868–1870 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | October 15, 1838 Barnesville, Ohio, US |
| Died | November 17, 1896 (aged 58) Fort Smith, Arkansas, US |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Mary O'Toole |
Isaac Charles Parker (October 15, 1838 – November 17, 1896) was an American politician and a judge. He served as a United States Congressman for Missouri for two terms. Later, he became a judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. He held this important job for 21 years.
Judge Parker became very well known for his strict rulings. Many people called him the "Hanging Judge." He passed away in Fort Smith at the age of 58. His death was caused by a kidney illness called Bright's disease.
During his 21 years as a federal judge, Parker handled a huge number of cases. He heard 13,490 cases in total. More than 8,500 people either admitted they were guilty or were found guilty after a trial. He sentenced 160 people to death, and 79 of those sentences were carried out. Others were found not guilty, pardoned, or their sentences were changed.
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Isaac Parker's Early Life and Career
Isaac Parker was born in Barnesville, Ohio, in 1838. He grew up and studied law. This prepared him to become a lawyer and later a judge. His early career involved working in the legal field.
Before becoming a famous judge, Parker was involved in politics. He served as a United States Congressman. He represented Missouri's 7th congressional district. This experience gave him a good understanding of how laws are made.
Becoming a Judge in Arkansas
In 1875, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Isaac Parker as a federal judge. He was assigned to the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. This court covered a very large area. It included parts of what is now Oklahoma.
At that time, this region was known as Indian Territory. It was a wild and often lawless place. There were many criminals and outlaws. Judge Parker's job was to bring law and order to this challenging area.
The "Hanging Judge"
Judge Parker earned his nickname "Hanging Judge" because of his tough stance on crime. He believed in strict punishment for serious offenses. His goal was to make the territory safer. He wanted to show that crime would not be tolerated.
His court was very busy. He heard thousands of cases during his time as judge. Many of these cases involved serious crimes like murder and robbery. Parker's court became famous for its swift justice.
Parker's Legacy
Judge Isaac Parker left a lasting mark on the American West. He helped establish the rule of law in a difficult region. His work brought more order to the Indian Territory. He is remembered as a judge who was dedicated to justice.
Today, you can visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site. This site in Arkansas tells the story of Judge Parker's court. You can see a reconstructed courtroom and gallows. These help visitors understand what justice was like in the Old West.
Images for kids
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Photo of Parker's courtroom reconstructed at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, taken in 1966
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Parker in his later years
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Monument of Parker at Gateway Park, Fort Smith, Arkansas
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Present-day image of the reconstructed gallows now located at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, taken in 2008
See also
In Spanish: Isaac Parker para niños
