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Fort Smith National Historic Siteearly 20th century postcards of Fort Smith
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
September 3, 1875 Execution: First Execution Under Judge Parker
collage of photos of first six men executed under Judge Parker
While federal executions began in Fort Smith in 1873, the one that occurred on September 3, 1875 was the first under Judge Isaac C. Parker. Of the six men hanged in Fort Smith on that day, three committed murder to rob their victims. Daniel Evans and William Whittington killed their traveling companions for the cash and goods they carried, while Samuel Fooy murdered a school teacher for $250. Edmund Campbell murdered Lawson Ross and his wife in revenge for an insult. The motives of the final two men remain unknown. Smoker Mankiller shot and killed his neighbor, and James Moore, a hardened killer, made Officer William Spivey his eighth victim.
Parker seated at his bench in 6th Street courtroom  

Did You Know?
The only known image of Judge Parker in his courtroom is this one from the federal courthouse on Sixth Street which dates from the 1890s. There are no photographs of the courtroom located in the former military barracks.

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Last Updated: June 16, 2007 at 11:05 EST