John Denniston (judge) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Denniston
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John Denniston in a barrister's wig
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Edward Dennsiton
20 June 1845 Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Scotland |
| Died | 22 July 1919 (aged 74) Cashmere, Christchurch, New Zealand |
| Spouse |
Helen Mary Bathgate
(m. 1887) |
| Relations | Thomas Denniston (father) |
Sir John Edward Denniston (born 1845, died 1919) was an important judge in New Zealand. He worked at the Supreme Court in Christchurch. He was known for his long career in law and for becoming a knight.
Contents
Early Life and Education
John Denniston was born in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 1845. His father, Thomas Denniston, was a merchant. His mother, Helen Franch Walker, passed away when he was young. John went to school at Greenock Academy and Blairlodge School.
He started studying at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. He even won a scholarship to help him with his studies.
Moving to New Zealand
In 1862, John Denniston left the university to move to New Zealand with his family. They arrived in the Otago region. His father bought a large farm called a "run" in Southland.
John Denniston worked in different jobs when he first arrived. He worked for the government and for the Bank of New South Wales. These jobs helped him learn about New Zealand.
Becoming a Lawyer
John Denniston decided to study law. He became a law student with a lawyer named William Downie Stewart. On 4 August 1874, he officially became a lawyer in Dunedin.
He first worked as a lawyer in Wanganui with George Hutchison. Later, he joined William Downie Stewart again in Dunedin. Their law firm became very successful. John Denniston was involved in many important court cases in the Otago area.
A Judge of the Supreme Court
In 1889, John Denniston was chosen to become a judge. He joined the Supreme Court after another judge passed away. He was sworn in by the Chief Justice of New Zealand, Sir James Prendergast.
John Denniston served as a judge for many years. His work was very important for the New Zealand legal system.
Knighthood and Later Life
In 1917, when he retired from being a judge, John Denniston was given a special honor. He was made a knight, which means he could use the title "Sir" before his name.
John Denniston married Helen Mary Bathgate in 1887. They had three sons and two daughters. He passed away on 22 July 1919 at his home in Cashmere, Christchurch, after a short illness. His wife survived him.
