George Parkman was a wealthy Bostonian known for his involvement in the medical field and his connections to the Harvard Medical School. Born in 1790, he was a prominent figure in the 19th century, recognized for his philanthropic contributions and support of education. Parkman is perhaps most infamously remembered for his murder in 1849, which became a sensational case in American history. His death led to the arrest of Dr. John Webster, a professor at Harvard, who was later tried and convicted for the crime, highlighting issues of morality and justice in that era.