Thomas P. Eskridge
Thomas P. Eskridge (c. 1797 – November 30, 1835) was an American jurist who served on the Superior Court of Arkansas Territory, precursor to the Arkansas Supreme Court.
Early life[edit]
Born in Staunton, Virginia, to William and Elizabeth Scott Eskridge, Thomas was one of potentially ten children.[1][2] He acquired legal expertise by clerking for a Virginia attorney before relocating to the Arkansas Territory around 1820.[1][2]
Career[edit]
In 1823, Eskridge was appointed to the First Judicial Circuit Court.[1][2] Initially, he pursued a political career, declaring his candidacy for territorial representative to Congress as a Democratic-Republican.[1] His platform included expediting the Choctaw Treaty, defining the Missouri-Arkansas boundary, facilitating settlements in Lovely's Purchase, resolving Spanish land claims, establishing a surveyor general's office, improving access along the Red River, and constructing a military road from Chickasaw Bluff.[1] He withdrew his candidacy at the behest of acting governor Robert Crittenden, favoring Henry W. Conway.[1]
In 1827, Eskridge was appointed to the Superior Court.[1][2] During his tenure, the court primarily dealt with land deed disputes and appeals from lower courts.[1]