James Bickerton Fisher facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Bickerton Fisher
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| Member of the New Zealand Parliament for Buller |
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| In office 9 September 1879 – 8 November 1881 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 2 November 1843 Diss, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 23 January 1910 (aged 66) Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Resting place | Linwood Cemetery |
| Political party | Independent |
James Bickerton Fisher (born November 2, 1843 – died January 23, 1910) was an important person in New Zealand's history. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the late 1800s, representing the West Coast area. He also worked as a lawyer and helped shape the laws of his time.
Contents
Early Life and Education
James Bickerton Fisher was born on November 2, 1843, in a town called Diss in Norfolk, England. When he was about 14 years old, in 1857, he moved to New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington on a ship named Myrtle. After arriving, he continued his schooling at Christ's College in Christchurch.
Fisher's Family Life
James Fisher got married in Australia on October 23, 1880. His first wife was Helen Margaret Nicol, who was born in 1856. Sadly, Helen passed away on June 13, 1882, when she was only 26 years old. She died just nine days after giving birth to their daughter, Nellie.
Their daughter, Nellie Minnie Fisher, was born on June 4, 1882. She lived until 1941, reaching the age of 59. Nellie later married Francis Reginald Aveling in Wellington on August 18, 1914. They had one son, Captain Bruce Hamilton Aveling, who was born in Wellington on July 4, 1914.
James Bickerton Fisher married a second time on December 28, 1886. His second wife was Rose Louisson, who was born in 1862. Rose passed away in 1915 when she was 53. James and Rose had two children together:
- George Bickerton Fisher, born on May 26, 1888. He lived to be 86, passing away in 1974.
- Dorothy Bickerton Fisher, born on November 29, 1889. She also lived until 1974, reaching the age of 85.
Career and Public Service
After finishing school, James Fisher decided to become a solicitor, which is a type of lawyer. He trained with a well-known lawyer named Francis James Garrick. In 1868, he officially became a lawyer.
Legal Work and Public Roles
From 1870, James Fisher worked as a lawyer in Westport. He became the Crown Prosecutor there, which meant he represented the government in court cases.
He also served in local government. From 1873 to 1874, he represented the Westport area in the Nelson Provincial Council. This was a local governing body before New Zealand had its current system.
| New Zealand Parliament | ||||
| Years | Term | Electorate | Party | |
| 1879–1881 | 7th | Buller | Independent | |
Serving in Parliament
James Fisher was elected to the House of Representatives in 1879. This is where the main laws of New Zealand are made. He represented the Buller area until 1881, when he decided to retire from Parliament.
After leaving Parliament, he moved back to Christchurch in 1882. He continued his law career, eventually becoming a partner in a law firm called Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher. He also worked as the lawyer for the Christchurch City Council, helping them with legal matters.
Later Years and Legacy
James Bickerton Fisher retired from his law practice on January 1, 1910. Sadly, he passed away later that same month, on January 23, 1910, after a short illness. He was 67 years old. He was buried at Linwood Cemetery. James Fisher was a dedicated lawyer and politician who contributed to New Zealand's development in the 19th century.
