Tammany Hall Reformer Charles Parkhurst Died in Sleep Walking Episode, Thanks Trustee for Donation

Born in Framingham, MA, CHARLES HENRY PARKHURST (April 17, 1842 – September 8, 1933) was an American clergyman and social reformer. He preached two sermons in 1892 attacking the political corruption of New York City. His statements, along with evidence he collected, led to the exposure of Tammany Hall and to social and political reforms. In 1891, Parkhurst was elected president of the New York Society for the Prevention of crime. He instituted a campaign against political and social corruption of Tammany Hall, which began as a social club but shifted to politics and bribery. Parkhurst hired a private detective to collect evidence of corruption. In March 1892, He preached a sermon backed by documentation and affidavits. His campaign led to the appointment of the Lexow Committee. Parkhurst died on September 8, 1933, after walking off the roof of his New Jersey home during a sleep walking episode.

One page, TLS to Fred. T. Sherman (a trustee of the Seamen’s Bank of Savings of New York City) “This will acknowledge with many thanks the receipt of your check for fifty dollars as a contribution to the work of the Society for the Prevention of Crime. I will turn it over into the hands of Mr. Newell, with the request that he send you an official acknowledgement of the same.

“Yours very sincerely, C.H. Parkhurst”

Three small left border chips from storage.

Toning, folds, but in excellent condition.

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