James B. Parker Helped to Capture the Assassin of President McKinley
I recently read an article that gave an overview of significant events and people who played a role in Buffalo’s history during this celebration of the 250th birthday celebration America. As a historian I must remind people that when President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo during the Pan American Exposition in 1901, that a Black man named James Benjamin Parker helped to capture the killer of President Mckinley. He was recognized by the Black Press all over the country, His story has been left out of the history books, but the African Americans did not forget, that a Black man named James Benjamin Parker, was responsible for the capture of the killer whose name was Leon Czolgosz.
A Secret Service Agent at the time of the shooting saw Parker strike the assassin in the neck with one hand and with the other reached for the revolver. It was noted that he also broke the nose of the assassin. President Mckinley died on September 14, 1901, mainly from poor medical procedures. The press noted that Parker stated at the time that “I happened to be in a position where I could aid in the capture of this man. I am glad I was able to be of service to the country.” The Black community at the time held a special tribute to James B. Parker in 1901 since so many ignored what he did. Thousands of Blacks came together to pay respect to him.
James B. Parker stood 6 feet 6 inches tall and weighed over 250 pounds. The day that President McKinley was assassinated was very hot. It was over 90 degrees. Parker stood in line to pay respect to the President, and Leon Czolgosz was also in line. He had his hand wrapped like a bandage. His revolver was hidden underneath. Czolgosz shot twice but the first bullet just grazed the President. The second bullet went into his stomach. Parker prevented the third bullet and helped to capture Czolgosz.
President Mckinley died at 2:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 14th of gangrene. A little more than 24 hours after his death, Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office. Parker was quoted in the local press as saying: “I am a Negro and I am glad that the Ethiopian race has whatever credit comes with what I did. If I did anything, the Colored people should get the credit.” Considering the historical contributions of James B. Parker, this columnist would like to suggest that a Memorial Plaque be placed near the statue in honor of him or even in City Hall. This is history that all citizens of our great city and the entire country should know, especially our youth. A woman named Doolin Mason, born in 1864, wrote a poem about Parker. Here is an excerpt of her poem:
Mckinley fell, from the assassin’s bullet,
And the Negro he got in it.
He knocked the murderer to the floor,
He struck his nose, the blood did flow,
He held him fast, nearly saw,
The Negro he was in it.
James B. Parker was his name.
As this country celebrates its 250th birthday, it is important to include history such as this especially so close to Western New York!!