Gerrit Parmele Judd

Background

Gerrit was born on April 23, 1803 at Paris, Oneida County, New York, United States, the eldest son of Dr. Elnathan Judd, Jr. , and Betsey Hastings Judd, and a descendant of Thomas Judd who was living in Cambridge, Massachussets, in 1634.

Education

At an early age he began the study of medicine in his father's office and afterwards attended a medical school at Fairfield, Herkimer County, graduating in 1825.

Career

Converted in 1826, Judd decided to become a missionary, and in the fall of 1827 was appointed physician to the Sandwich Islands Mission of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Judd's service in the Mission extended over a period of fourteen years. He was, from about 1833, drawn gradually into the councils of the nation by acting as interpreter and translator, and was on many occasions called upon for advice on matters of state.

In 1842 the affairs of the kingdom came to a crisis - the native race seemed doomed to extinction and the independence of the island government was in jeopardy. Before this time Judd had assisted in introducing system into the business of the government; he now separated himself from the Mission and took service under the King, first as a member of the treasury board, then as recorder and translator, and finally, in 1843, as secretary of state for foreign affairs, while still holding his former offices.

During a large part of his official career, Judd was a subject of violent criticism. He was minister of foreign affairs, 1843-45; minister of the interior, 1845-46; minister of finance, 1846-53; and during all this time he was the prime minister in fact if not in name. In 1849 he undertook a diplomatic mission abroad with the objects of obtaining reparation from France for acts of the French consul and French admiral at Honolulu in August 1849, and of making new treaties with the United States, Great Britain, and France. The first object was not accomplished, but toward securing the treaties some progress was made. Judd represented the King (Kamehameha III) on the committee which drew up the liberal constitution of 1852. In the following year he was forced out of the government by opposition which threatened the overthrow of the monarchy.

During the remaining twenty years of his life he devoted himself to his profession and to the agricultural development of the islands, but he always took a lively interest in politics and in the moral and religious welfare of the nation. He was a member of the legislature of 1858 and of the constitutional convention of 1864; during the sessions of the convention he strongly opposed the efforts of Kamehameha V to increase the power and prerogatives of the crown.

Achievements

• Gerrit Parmele Judd was the trusted adviser of the King of Hawaii, and under his guidance a policy was devised whose underlying principle was a union of natives and foreigners as subjects and supporters of the independent native monarchy, which should be organized on a constitutional basis. This policy drew into the government, as ministers or subordinate officials, a number of the best-qualified foreigners, in order that the administrative and judicial procedure might conform to the standards of civilized governments. The plan was effective in saving the nation. Besides, Judd was one of the original members (1863) of the board of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association and served on that board until his death.

Works

More photos

• book

  • O Ke Anahonua: He Mea Ia E Ao AI I Ke Ana I Na Mea a Pau (Paperback)(Hawaiian) - Common

    (This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before ...)

  • Dr. Judd, Hawaii's Friend;: A biography of Gerrit Parmele Judd, 1803-1873

    (Biography. First edition stated. Paper and cloth board co...)

Personality

A man of positive convictions, he acted with decision in critical moments and did not shirk the responsibility for his acts.

He had a perfect command of the language. In his professional capacity he was constantly brought into contact with the King and chiefs, so won their implicit confidence, and gained an accurate insight into the Hawaiian character.

Connections

Gerrit was married to Laura Fish, a young woman of good education and much strength of character. They had nine children.

Father:

Elnathan Judd, Jr.

Mother:

Betsey Hastings Judd

Spouse:

Laura Fish

coworker:

King Kamehameha III