Amasa J. Parker

Amasa Junius Parker (June 2, 1807May 13, 1890) was an attorney, politician and judge from New York. He is most notable for his service as a member of the New York State Assembly (1834), a U.S. Representative (1837-1839), and a justice of the New York Supreme Court.

A native of Sharon, Connecticut and the son of a prominent clergyman and educator, Parker was raised in upstate New York, received his education from his father and a series of private tutors, and attended Union College, from which he graduated in 1825. He embarked on a career as a teacher and school principal, which he pursued while studying law. After attaining admission to the bar in 1828, he practiced in Delhi as the junior partner of his uncle, Amasa Parker. Active in politics as a Democrat, Parker served as Delaware County District Attorney from 1833 to 1836. He was a member of the New York State Assembly in 1834 and a regent of the University of the State of New York from 1835 to 1844. He represented Delaware and Broome Counties in the 25th Congress (1837-1839), after which he returned to practicing law until he became a judge.

In 1844, Parker moved to Albany to begin serving as a judge of the New York State Circuit Court, a position he held until 1847. Parker became a justice of the New York Supreme Court in 1847, and served until 1855. In 1854, Parker served as an ex officio judge on the New York Court of Appeals. After leaving the bench, he again resumed the practice of law. Parker was a founder of Albany Law School in 1851, and was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for governor in 1856 and 1858. In 1867-68 he was a delegate to the state constitutional convention.

Parker died in Albany on May 13, 1890. He was buried at Albany Rural Cemetery. Provided by Wikipedia