Honor Judge Fullerton Bicentennial

Senate Resolution No. 1595 BY: Senator LARKIN CELEBRATING the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Judge William Fullerton, in conjunction with the observance of National Law Day WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend the efforts of those organizations which seek to bring recognition to historical events within the State of New York, and in doing so, help to ensure that the complete history of our State and Nation is preserved and shared with present generations of citizens; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Judge William Fullerton, in conjunction with the observance of National Law Day on Sunday, April

30, 2017, at the Fullerton Cultural Center, Newburgh, New York; the proceeds from this auspicious event will benefit the historic St. George's Cemetery, the final resting place of Judge Fullerton; and WHEREAS, For over two centuries, our State and Nation have adhered to the rule of law as the foundation for a safe, free, and just society; seeking to formally recognize this tradition, President Eisenhower established National Law Day in 1958, as "a day of national dedication to the principles of government under the law"; and WHEREAS, National Law Day is a day for all New Yorkers to reflect on the role of law in the foundation of our country and to recognize the importance of laws and the legal process in contributing to the freedoms in which all Americans share; and WHEREAS, Born on May 1, 1817 in the Town of Minisink, William Fullerton was the third child of Stephen Whittaker and Esther Stephens Fullerton; and WHEREAS, William Fullerton graduated with honors from Union College in 1837, having made his way through school by teaching; he went on to earn a law degree and was admitted to the Bar in 1839, during which time he began practicing in Goshen before relocating to Newburgh; and WHEREAS, Judge William Fullerton had all the elements of a great nisi prius lawyer; he was surpassingly keen, quick, adroit, energetic and industrious; in the management of litigated business he had no superior; and WHEREAS, Judge William Fullerton's illustrious law career spanned more than five decades and encompassed a stunning array of high profile cases; truly a man of the people, he became renowned as "the great American cross-examiner"; and WHEREAS, The St. George's Cemetery was founded in 1838 by the Reverend John Brown, and is located in the portion of the east end of the City of Newburgh, which is now designated as a Historic District; this cemetery is the resting place for many of Newburgh's most prominent citizens including Judge William Fullerton who died on March 8, 1900, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity to express its highest admiration for St. George's Cemetery, and for all of the individuals who have worked to bring proper attention to a place and time which merits recognition in the grand panorama of the history of our State and Nation; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the birth of Judge William Fullerton, in conjunction with the observance of National Law Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to St. George's Cemetery, Newburgh, New York.