James Parker 1901 President McKinley Assassin Czolgosz Handbill Black Hero For Sale

DETAILS:Original lithographic card handbill. Circa 1901. Features a portrait of James Parker and reads: \"This is the black waiter who was the first to seize the assassin Czolgosz after the President had been shot. Parker reaped a snug fortune by selling the buttons from his clothing as souvenirs.\" Measures 5\" x 7\" inches.

Parker was the son of former slave and had worked several different jobs in Chicago, Atlanta, andBuffalo, NY. On 6 September 1901, President McKinley was receiving visitors at the Pan-American Exposition\'s Hall of Music in Buffalo. Although it was customary practice to approach the President with hands open and empty, the policy was not beingenforced on the day as most people carried handkerchiefs due to excessive heat. The anarchist Leon Czolgosz used his own handkerchief to conceal a pistol and shot McKinley at point-blank range. Parker recounted the affair in an interview: \"I heard the shots. I did what every citizen of this country should have done. I am told that I broke his nose - I wish it had been his neck. I am sorry I did not see him four seconds before. I don\'t say that I would have thrown myself before the bullets. but I do say that the life of the head of this country is worth more than that of an ordinary citizen and I should have the caught the bullets in my body rather than the President should get them.\" Although McKinley\'s recovery initially seemed promising, he perished from his wounds a week later. Parkerwas lauded by Booker T. Washington whotraveled throughout the country giving lectures on Parkers fearless actions.

Oxxbridge Galleries

Established 1987

Oxxbridge Galleries was founded in 1987 and specializes in vintage paper itemswith a large selection of historical and 19th Century tintypes, daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, cabinet cards, carte des visites and other types of early photography.We invite everyone to visit our storeto view our entireinventory (STORE CATEGORY: Historical Photos).

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