San Francisco County
Biographies
HON. TIMOTHY
I. FITZPATRICK
Representative of that eminent succession of men who have made the written record of the judiciary one of the most inspiring chapters in the history of San Francisco is the Hon. Timothy I. Fitzpatrick, who is now serving his second term as a judge of the superior court.
Judge Fitzpatrick is a native of San Francisco, his birth having occurred here March 3, 1879, and he is one of the eight children born to Timothy I. and Mary (Gibbons) Fitzpatrick. Timothy I. Fitzpatrick, the father, was born in Ireland, and as a child came with his mother to New York, later going to New Orleans, where his uncle operated a hotel. In 1852, when he was a young man, he came to Oroville, Butte county, California, where he mined for a time. Subsequently, he moved to San Francisco and on Fourth street near Market he established one of the first large grocery stores in the city. Some years later he entered into government employ in the United States mint in San Francisco under Mr. Daggett, and in this connection he remained for twenty years. He died in 1921, a respected and loyal citizen of San Francisco. His wife was also born in Ireland, and when a small child came from the east to San Francisco, and here married Mr. Fitzpatrick. Two sons and six daughters were born to this union, and all of the children survive with the exception of two daughters.
In the old Lincoln school of San Francisco, Judge Fitzpatrick spent one year, then for twelve years was a student at St. Ignatius College. Beginning with classical studies in this latter institution, he later changed to a business course and was graduated in this department. He then spent one year in high school, following which he began to study law in the Hastings College of Law. Two years later, he successfully passed the state bar examination and was duly admitted in 1897. Judge Fitzpatrick’s first official position was that of assistant in the district attorney’s office under Lewis F. Byington from 1900 until 1906. He then practiced his profession privately until 1915. His reputation became firmly established during this period, and his popularity led to his election as police judge. He served two terms in this capacity, then in 1920 he was accorded higher honors by election to the superior court bench. He was reelected in 1926. Judge Fitzpatrick has manifested a most thorough knowledge of jurisprudence during his long career upon the bench; has interpreted the law in a manner which has brought to him unstinted praise; and has justified in every respect the will of the voters who believed in him.
On July 19, 1915, in San Francisco, Judge Fitzpatrick was married to Miss Mildred Sallee, who was born in Shasta county, California, and is a daughter of James Sallee. Her father was one of the most important mine operators and owners in California. He discovered copper in Shasta county and owned the famous Iron Mountain mine and Buddy Hill copper mines, which were later sold to the mammoth Guggenheim interests. Most of his large holdings were in Shasta county. He died in 1919. Judge and Mrs. Fitzpatrick reside at 2891 Jackson street in San Francisco.
In the Native Sons of the Golden West, Judge Fitzpatrick has for many years been an enthusiastic member, and belongs to Stanford Parlor No. 76. He is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus, was a director of the Olympic Club for twenty-two years, his membership dating back to 1899, and also belongs to the Presidio Cub and the Lake Merced Golf Club. Along strictly professional lines he has membership in the California State Bar Association. He has held a true sportsman's interests in clean athletics, but is especially devoted to golf. He has cooperated in all affairs of San Francisco pertaining to civic improvement and development, and his loyal and democratic attitude toward his fellow citizens has brought to him countless friends and admirers in the bay region.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Source: Byington, Lewis Francis, “History of
San Francisco 3 Vols”, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co.,
Chicago, 1931. Vol. 3 Pages 50-52.
© 2007 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
GOLDEN NUGGET'S SAN
FRANCISCO BIOGRAPIES