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Bates Turner (October 1760 – April 30, 1847) was a Vermont lawyer, judge and politician. In addition to serving as a member of the VT House of Representatives, he was a Justice of the Vermont Supreme Court for two years. His most enduring legacy was that of a founder of a law school in Saitn Albans, though short lived, provided Vermont with a large wave of able lawyers.

Turner was born in October 1760 in Connecticut. He served in the Continental Army as a member of Captain Thomas Converse's Company, 7th CT Reg during the Revolutionary War.

Turner practiced law in Connecticut, and moved to Vermont in 1798; he originally resided in Fairfield (thinking it would become the shire town of Franklin County) and when it did not later moved to St. Albans. For a time, his law partner in St. Albans was Asa Aldis (who was mentored by Turner and subsequently served as Chief Justice of the VT Supreme Court). When this law practice did not work out long term, Turner subsequently returned to Fairfield; in addition to practicing law, he also trained several prospective attorneys, including William C. Wilson. For brief periods, he lived in Middlebury and Fairfield, before finally returning to St. Albans. 

Turner's legal instruction was so sought after that he eventually began offering a formal program of study.During his career, between 175 and 200 attorneys obtained their legal education with Turner. Unfortunately it was closed in 1812, likely due to debts occurred for expansion of the school.

Turner was a member of the VT House of Representatives in 1813. He served on the Supreme Court from 1827 to 1828. In 1829, he was a member of the Council of Censors, which met every seven years to review actions of Vermont's government and ensure their constitutionality.

He would always get out his sleigh upon the first appearance of snow, whether there was sufficient for sleighing or not. Once he was grinding along on the grave, the road-way being merely white from a recent flurry, when a neighbor met him and said. "Well, Judge, how does it go?" "Rather hard." he replied" the fact is, you can't have right good sleighing without some snow." 

TBP

TBP

 John Fitzpatrick was born at Fairfield, Vermont, May 1, 1844 while his mother was on a visit to that city, and the age of six months he was brought to New Orleans. While still a small boy, he and his two brothers, James and Michael became orphans and were given shelter in the St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum. Years later he became President of that institution. He received his education in the public schools and started his career as a newspaper boy, later becoming a carpenter and working at this trade for a number of years. He was a resident of the Third Ward where he gained great influence with the labor class which supported him solidly in later years.

Captain Fitzpatrick’s record as a leader in political life of the city and state has few equals in the history of this country. 

On February 1, 1893, New Orleans for the first time, rode in cars powered by electricity. The experience proved delightful, safe and successful. All of New Orleans had known for many months that the New Orleans and Carrollton Railroad Company had been busily engaged in changing their railway system from the slow mule to the progressive power of electricity.In 1896 Mayor Fitzpatrick founded the present public library system, establishing a library at Camp and Lafayette Streets. He also gained for himself the name of “Father of the Sewerage and Water System.” Nothing definite had been accomplished along those lines until he raised a fund and had surveys made.

In 1898, after having served his term as mayor, Fitzpatrick was elected to the State Legislature, and in 1899 a campaign for governor was started for him. 

Fitzpatrick although foremost as a politician was also a well known sportsman. His activities in boxing circles date back to the days of bare-knuckle fights, he acted as referee at the famous John L. Sullivan-Paddy Ryan contest and also referred the Sullivan-Kilrain battle, as well as many other important prize-ring battles in the vicinity of New Orleans.

In fraternal organization work he was one of the city’s leaders. He was at one time exalted ruler of the order of Elks, State President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, founder of the present Choctaw Club and one of the organizers of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the old Continental Guard and was identified with the old Volunteer Fire Department of this city for many years. At the time of his death he was honorary Vice-President of the Police Mutual and Benevolent Association.

Mayor Martin Behrman said “The death of John Fitzpatrick is a distinct loss to New Orleans. He carried with him to the grave, a reputation for integrity and strength of character suppressed by none.”

Captain Fitzpatrick died at his home in New Orleans on April 7, 1919.