John Cochran Park (1804–1889) was an American attorney and politician who served as district attorney of Suffolk County, Massachusetts, and a judge of the Newton district court.
Early life
Park was born on June 10, 1804, to Dr. John and Louisa (Adams) Park.[1] He attended Boston public schools and graduated from Harvard College in 1824 and Harvard Law School in 1826.[2] In November 1829, he married Mary F. Moore of Boston. She died in 1852. On November 1, 1854, he married Charlotte Cutter Dean.[1]
Legal and political career
Park was admitted to the bar in 1827. In 1832, he defended Charlotte Williams, an African American teenager accused of poisoning five children in the home where she worked as a housekeeper. She was found not guilty.[3] Park also represented Suffolk County in the Massachusetts General Court for over a decade and was a member of the Boston Common Council in 1835.[2][4]
On February 4, 1852, Park was appointed Suffolk County district attorney by Governor George S. Boutwell.[5] The following year, Park was removed by Boutwell's successor, John H. Clifford.[6]
In 1874, Park was appointed clerk of the Suffolk Superior Court following the death of Henry Homer. He lost the Republican nomination to William W. Doherty and was succeeded by Homer's assistant, John P. Manning.[7][8]
In 1829, Park joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company. He was made an adjutant in 1837, a first lieutenant in 1845, and a captain in 1853. Around 1740, he was named captain of the Boston City Guard. He also served as captain in the Boston Light Infantry.[2]
In June 1888, Park suffered partial paralysis and was unable to attend to his judicial duties. He was able to recover enough to return to the bench that winter.[2]
Park died on April 21, 1889, in Newton. He was survived by his wife and two sons.[2] His funeral was held on April 26 at the Channing Church in Newton. He was buried in Forest Hills Cemetery.[9]
