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Fort Smith National Historic Site soldiers from 13 Kansas in formation on Garrison Ave.
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
April 13, 1883 Execution
rope tied as a noose
Robert Massey was executed on April 13, 1883 for a crime he committed almost two years earlier.  In the summer of 1881, he and Edmond Clark drove a cattle herd from Dodge City to Dakota Territory. On December 1, Massey shot Clark in the back of the head. The crime occured on the South Canadian River, 200 miles from Fort Smith. After the murder, Massey dumped the body in a hole near the camp site and burned Clark's clothing and saddle. The apparent motive was robbery as Massey took the proceeds from the cattle sale, along with Clark's horse and pistol. Massey was arrested the following April with Clark's gun still in his possession.

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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 12:07 MST