History - The First Generation of United States Marshals
The First
Marshal of New Hampshire: John Parker
John Parker served as Sheriff of Rockingham County, N.H., from 1771
until his appointment as Marshal in September 1789. He began this career
under the royal governor, but apparently did the job so well that he
gained appointment
as Sheriff by the rebel government immediately after New Hampshire
declared its independence from Great Britain. Thus, he and Clement
Biddle were the only two of the first generation of Marshals to have law
enforcement experience.
Born on Nov. 16, 1732, in Portsmouth, Parker apprenticed as a merchant.
During his youth, he went on several voyages as master of a ship before
settling
down in Portsmouth to earn his living as a merchant and head of an
insurance
house. In 1775-76, Parker served as a captain in Biddle's New Hampshire
Rangers, but he returned to Rockingham County to continue as Sheriff
after that
brief tour. Parker was the oldest man President Washington appointed to
the office of Marshal. When he received his commission in October 1789,
he was 56. Parker died in 1791 at the age of 58.
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