The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1895-12-11
DEATH OF JUDGE BIoKERroN
A Useful Career Ended "A sad LOSS
to Hawaii

tice OF the Hawaiian Supreme Court
which it is our sad duty to record
ro-day, was not unexpected. The
popular judge had been i'll for
several months and although ap-
parently on the road to recovery, a
relapse took place which carried
him away at 10:45 o'clock last
evening.
The country loses by the death OF
Judge Bickerton one Of the best
and most honorable men who made
these islands home. Judge Bicker-
ton loved his adopted country. He
made it his home not, temporarily
but for good and for ever; for
better and worse.
AS a jurist the late judge may
never have reached the top of the
profession. But he was sincere,
honest, and man in whom every
citizen had the utmost confidence.
Socially the deceased Judge was
extremely popular. Always genial,
witty and a born racontewr his COM
pany was at all times in demand.
The lively interest which he at all
times took in agricultural enter.
prises in the breeding of horses aud
cattle added to his popularity.
Judge Bickerton was an English
man by birth. He was born in
Greenwich, London, in April, 1874.
At the time OF his death he was in
the prime of life, being only 81
years old. His failing health and
premature snow-white hair made
him look much older.
He came to Australia when only
child, and after receiving an ordi-
nary school education, travelled
around in search of adventures and
fortune. In 1868 he left Melbourne
with theatrical troupe, and after
visiting several of the islands in the
Pacific he arrived at Victoria, B. c.,
where he remained for sometimes.
From there ne drifted to 4onolulu
where he arrived in 1864. He be-
came acquainted with w. L. Green,
prominent member of tie firm of
Janion, Green & Co., and through
him he obtained employment at the
Kaalaea plantation on Oahu. The
plantation was never a success and
was eventually abandoned.
Mr.. Bickerton returned to Homo
lulu in 1872, and entered the law
office of w. O. Jones, at that time
leading lawyer. The deceased was
an earnest student, and in 1876 he
was admitted to practice in all the
Courts of Hawaii. He never became
great pleader, but large amount
OF legal work was given to him, and
he amply rewarded to confidence of
his clients through integrity, honesty,
and conservative methods.
In 1882 he was he was appointed
Police Judge for Honolulu and his
record in that position is unexcelled.
In 1886 King Kalakaua, of whom the
late judge was warm personal
friend, appointed him Third Asso-
ciate Judge of the Supreme Court.
In 1890 by the death of Judge
Preston he was created Second Asso-
ciate Judge and on the death of
Judge McCully year later, First
Associate Judge.
Judge Bickerton also held other
positions of trust and honor. He
was at one time a member OF the
Legislature and at the time of the
overthrow of the monarchy men,
her Of the Privy Council of State.
The deceased was twice married
and leaves issue. By his first wife he
had two sons who are now receiving
their education in Tacoma and a
daughter who recently was married
at the same place. Secondly he
married Frances Spencer daughter
OF Frank Spencer of Waimea, who
with young child survives bin.
The late judge owned consider
able real estate in Honolulu and
has made several sound investments.
The funeral take place tomorrow
from st. Andrews Cathedral OF
which the deceased at one time was
trustee.
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