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.