Definition
Lot Hall (April 2, 1757 – May 17, 1809) was an American attorney, politician, and jurist who served as an associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court from 1794 to 1800. He was also a veteran of the American Revolutionary War.
Overview
Born in Yarmouth, Province of Massachusetts Bay, Hall entered the Continental Navy in 1776 and participated in naval operations along the Southern coast, including the capture of several British vessels. After being taken prisoner twice and subsequently exchanged, he returned to Massachusetts, studied law under Shearjashub Bourne, and was admitted to the bar in 1782. Hall moved to Westminster, Vermont, where he established a legal practice and quickly became involved in the political life of the newly formed Vermont Republic and, later, the State of Vermont.
Hall served multiple terms in the Vermont House of Representatives (1789‑1790, 1791‑1793, and 1808‑1809) and was a presidential elector in 1792, casting his vote for George Washington and John Adams. In 1794 he was appointed to the Vermont Supreme Court, a position he held until 1800. He also participated in the state’s Council of Censors in 1799, a body convened periodically to review the constitutionality of legislative actions. Hall died in Westminster on May 17, 1809 after a bout of catarrh and was buried at Old Westminster Cemetery.
Etymology/Origin
The given name “Lot” is of biblical origin, derived from the Hebrew name לוט (Lôt), a figure in the Book of Genesis. The surname “Hall” is an English occupational or locational name, historically denoting someone who lived or worked at a large manor house or hall.
Characteristics
- Military service: Served as a lieutenant in the Continental Navy (1776‑1778); participated in the capture of British ships and endured two periods of captivity.
- Legal career: Trained under Shearjashub Bourne; admitted to the bar in 1782; practiced law in Westminster, Vermont.
- Political roles: Member of the Vermont House of Representatives; presidential elector (1792); associate justice of the Vermont Supreme Court (1794‑1800); member of the Council of Censors (1799).
- Family: Married Mary Homer in 1786; father of four children who survived to adulthood (Daniel, Mary, Benjamin, Timothy).
Related Topics
- Vermont Supreme Court
- American Revolutionary War naval operations
- Vermont House of Representatives
- Council of Censors (Vermont)
- Early American jurisprudence
- Federalist Party (early United States)