Henry Lorensz Wendt facts for kids

Henry Lorensz Wendt (born October 28, 1858 – died November 20, 1911) was an important figure in Ceylon (the old name for Sri Lanka). He was a skilled lawyer, a respected judge, and a member of the country's law-making body. He served as a judge in the highest court, the Supreme Court of Ceylon, and helped make laws in the Legislative Council of Ceylon.

Early Life and Education

Henry Lorensz Wendt was born to George Arnold Wendt, who was an accountant, and Mary Louise Georgiana Anderson. He went to S. Thomas' College, a well-known school, where he earned a special award called the Gregory Scholarship.

After school, he studied at the University of Calcutta and finished his arts degree in 1876. He then decided to study law. In 1879, he became an advocate, which is a lawyer who speaks for people in court. Later, he also became a barrister after studying at Gray's Inn in London, which is another type of lawyer, often involved in higher courts.

A Career in Law and Government

Henry Wendt began his legal career working in the Supreme Court and other courts in Colombo. He quickly became known for his legal skills.

Important Roles in Government

He took on several important roles in the government of Ceylon:

• In 1897, he served as the acting Solicitor General of Ceylon. This role is like a chief legal advisor to the government.
• From 1895 to 1900, he was a member of the Legislative Council of Ceylon. This council was a group of people who helped create laws for the country. He represented the Burgher community, a group of people in Sri Lanka with European ancestry.
• In 1900 and 1901, he acted as the Attorney General of Ceylon, which is the main legal officer for the government.

Becoming a Supreme Court Judge

In August 1901, Henry Wendt was appointed as a judge in the Supreme Court. This was a very important position. He became a full-time judge in October of that year. He later became the Senior Puisne Justice, meaning he was one of the most experienced and important judges on the court. He served in this role until he retired in November 1910.

Family and Hobbies

In 1899, Henry Wendt married Amelia De Saram. Her father, John Henricus de Saram, was also a respected judge. Henry and Amelia had two sons. One of their sons, Lionel George Henricus Wendt, became a famous photographer.

Henry Wendt himself enjoyed photography as a hobby. He was so interested in it that he helped start the Amateur Photographic Society of Ceylon, a group for people who loved taking pictures.