1805 - Jean Pierre Augustin Marcellin Verot, the first bishop of St. Augustine was born in Le Puy France on this date. Verot first came to the United States in 1830 and later to Florida in the years leading up to the Civil War. He became known as the “Rebel Bishop” for his support of the secessionist movement, although he opposed slavery. In 1867 Verot set up a school for the children of freed slaves in St. Augustine which operated into the 20th century by the Sisters of St. Joseph, also from Le Puy. In 1870 the Florida Vicariate was reorganized into a diocese with Verot as its first bishop. He served in that position until his death in 1876.