The Hero of Buffalo

J. B. Parker, a Waiter for the Bailey Catering Company at the Exposition,
Saves the Life of President McKinley.

     New York, September 9.—J. B. Parker, the negro waiter who prevented the anarchist from firing a third shot into President McKinley’s body, is said by his associates in New York to be as fearless as he is strong, and as modest as he is fearless.
     Parker, who lives when in New York at 450 Sixth avenue, is popular, but is feared because of his tremendous strength. The strangle hold, the one he tried on the anarchist with such success, is known to few men outside professional wrestlers, but it is known to Parker, who learned it when he lived in Georgia.
     Parker was recommended for a place in the Atlanta postoffice during McKinley’s first term. He passed his civil service examination and obtained a place as a letter carrier. He was obliging and courteous and made many friends during his four years’ service. He resigned his place, not because of any dissatisfaction with him, but because he was ambitious to become more than a letter carrier.

A TERROR TO THIEVES.

     It was during the Charleston earthquake that Parker’s strangle hold came in good stead. When the robbery of the dead and the looting of wrecked houses began, he went from Atlanta and offered his services as a policeman in Charleston. The negroes were giving the most trouble, and Parker, with his tremendous size and strength, wrenched the neck of more than one thief. He was more feared than any other man who had helped to guard the stricken city.
     When Parker came to New York he had no friends, but had saved his money, and being a man of excellent habits, he soon found good employment. He is said to be much better off in a financial way than the average negro. A story illustrating Parker’s influence among other negroes is told by his associates.
     During the race riots in New York in the summer of 1900, it was dangerous for a negro to venture out on the west side of the city, between Twenty third and Forty second streets. The negroes were panic stricken and many were ready to commit violence. Parker advised the negroes to keep cool and to stay off the street, and above all things keep out of rows. His advice is said to have been followed by many men. Parker is a factor in Republican politics in his district.