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Famous trial lawyer born in log cabin
On this day in 1902, Percy Eugene Foreman, one of the most famous trial
lawyers in Texas history, was born in a log cabin near Cold Springs,
Texas. Foreman, who was known for his unconventional trial strategies,
handled society divorces, and in sixty years of practice defended more
than 1,000 accused murderers, only one of whom was executed. Among his
most famous clients were James Earl Ray, whom he persuaded to plead guilty
to the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., in exchange for a life
sentence; socialite Candace Mossler's nephew Melvin Lane Powers, acquitted
of a murder charge; Alvin Lee King, who killed five people in a Baptist
church and committed suicide before his trial; and Charles Harrelson,
sentenced to fifteen years for a contract killing and involved in the
assassination of a federal judge in San Antonio. Foreman preferred cash as
payment for his services, but if a client didn't have money, he would take
property instead, including jewelry, real estate, boats, automobiles,
furniture, and artwork. He became a multimillionaire before his death in
1988.
- Links to Related Handbook of Texas Online Articles
- FOREMAN, PERCY EUGENE
- LAW
- Other Texas Day by Day Articles for This Date
- Kate Ward begins her career as first river steamer on the Colorado (1845)
- American Revolution reaches Texas (1779)
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