Robinson, known as Richard Parmalee, a prominent public servant and businessman (1817–1855). He is best remembered by his involvement in one of the most notorious murder trials of the time. While living in New York City, Robinson became involved with a woman described by some as a prostitute, Ellen or Helen Jewett. In April of 1836 trouble arose between the two, and when the woman was found in her burning lodging-house room dead from hatchet blows to the head, Robinson was arrested and accused of her murder. On June 9, 1836, in a front-page story, the New York Herald reported that after deliberating for only eight minutes, the jury found Robinson not guilty. Six days later the same paper speculated that Robinson would change his name and leave for the west or Texas. By August 1836, Robinson, now calling himself Parmalee, was in Nacogdoches. In an affidavit filed in 1875 in Nacogdoches County, prominent citizen Bennett Blake identified Parmalee several times as Richard P. Robinson, alias Richard Parmalee. Manuscript DS, signed “Richard Parmalee,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8.25 x 10.75, Republic of Texas, County of Nagadoches, January 3, 1838. A land deed from Manuilla de Soyda to Charles Chevellier, signed at the conclusion by Parmalee. In good condition, with some partial and some complete separations to horizontal folds, scattered toning, damp staining, and soiling, light paper loss to edges, a few areas of paper loss along folds, and show-through from writing on opposite sides. The signature is crisp and legible, and largely unaffected by the paper’s flaws. An uncommon signature from a man attempting to divorce himself from his checkered past. The Robert Davis Collection, read more about Robert Davis. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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