Benjamin PARKE, Congress, IN (1777-1835)

PARKE, Benjamin, a Delegate from the Territory of Indiana; born in New Jersey on September 22, 1777; received a limited schooling; moved to Lexington, Ky., in 1797; studied law and was admitted to the bar; moved to Vincennes, Territory of Indiana, in 1799 and practiced; attorney general of the Territory 1804-1808; member of the Territorial house of representatives in 1805; when the Territory was formed, was elected the first Delegate to the Ninth and Tenth Congresses and served from December 12, 1805, until March 1, 1808, when he resigned; served on the staff of Gov. William Harrison; Territorial judge 1808-1817; judge of the United States District Court for Indiana 1817-1835; was the first president of the Indiana Historical Society; died in Salem, Washington County, Ind., July 12, 1835; interment in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present