Alton B. Parker

Alton Brooks Parker (May 14, 1852 – May 10, 1926) was an American lawyer, judge, and politician who served as the Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals and was the Democratic candidate for President of the United States in the 1904 election. Known for his conservative views, Parker was defeated by incumbent President Theodore Roosevelt in a landslide.

Early Life and Education

Born in Cortland, New York, Parker attended Cortland Academy and later graduated from Albany Law School in 1873. After passing the bar, he quickly rose in legal circles, establishing a practice in Kingston, New York.

Legal and Judicial Career

Parker's judicial career began when he was appointed as the surrogate of Ulster County, New York. He was elected to the New York Supreme Court and served from 1885 until 1897. In 1898, Parker was designated as Chief Judge of the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, where he served until 1904. During his tenure, he was noted for his decisions which often supported labor rights and upheld regulatory laws.

1904 Presidential Election

In 1904, Parker was nominated by the Democratic Party for President, running against Theodore Roosevelt. His campaign focused on opposition to Roosevelt's progressive policies, advocating for a return to more traditional Democratic principles such as states' rights and limited government. However, his conservative stance did not resonate with the electorate, and he won only 140 electoral votes against Roosevelt's 336.

Later Life and Legacy

After his defeat, Parker returned to his law practice and remained active in Democratic politics, though he never sought public office again. He died in New York City in 1926.

Parker's legacy is complex; while he was a respected jurist, his political views were often at odds with the progressive trends of his time. His presidential campaign is remembered primarily for its overwhelming defeat, which signaled a shift in the Democratic Party towards more progressive ideologies.

See Also

• List of United States presidential candidates
• History of the Democratic Party (United States)