Draft:Francis Neal Parke

Francis Neal Parke (January 6, 1871 – June 2, 1955) was a justice of the Maryland Court of Appeals from 1924 to 1941.

Born in Carroll County, Maryland, Parke attended West Point from 1889 to 1891, when he was "forced out by ill health".

"Studied law with Chief Judge William H. Thomas. Admitted to the bar, December 3, 1893. ... Practiced in office of his grandfather, Joseph Maxwell Parke. Partnership with James A.C. Bond, 1898-1924.  Appointed Associate Judge, Court of Appeals, 1924.  Retired, 1941, at the age of 70."

"Governor Ritchie tendered to F. Neal Parke, of Westminster, Carroll county, the chief judgeship of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, carrying with it membership on the Court of Appeals, made vacant by the death of Judge William H. Thomas.

Mr. Parke is considered an outstandiing lawyer of the circuit, and was backed by lawyers of every shade of political opinion He was in Rockville trying a case when the telegram offerring him the place was sent. It is understood that he notified the Governor through a friend that he will accept. Although he never has held salaried public office, Mr. Parke has a record of service in public affairs and those relating to the legal profession. He was a member of the Budget Commission, which about 10 years ago reorganized the fiscal system of the State. More recently he was a member of the Reorganization Commission and the State Judiciary Commission.

He was born in Carroll county, January 6, 1871, the son of George M. Parke, who was register of wills, and the grandson of Joseph M. Parke, register of wills and a leading lawyer. The new judge was educated at West-1 ern Maryland College. Appointed to West Point in 1889, he remained there until forced out by ill health in 1891. He then read law in the office of the late Judge Thomas, whom he succeeds. Admitted to the bar in 1893, he practiced in the office of his grandfather.

He became the partner of Judge James A. C. Bond in 1898, under the present firm name of Bond & Parke."