Septimus Burt

Septimus Burt in 1892

The Hon Septimus Burt KC (25 October 1847 – 15 May 1919) was a Western Australian lawyer, politician and grazier, the son of Sir Archibald Burt.[1]

Burt was born on 25 October 1847 at St Kitts in the West Indies, and educated at a private school at Melksham, Wiltshire, England.[1][2] His family had been resident in the West Indies since 1635, primarily involved in administration of the Leeward Islands and in sugar plantations. Burt's great-great-great-uncle, William Mathew Burt, was governor-general (1776–1781) of the Leeward Islands during the American War of Independence.[3][4][5][6][7]

In January 1861 Burt arrived in Western Australia with his parents,[2][8] and subsequently attended Hale School in Perth.[1][8]

He served as an articled clerk to George Frederick Stone, and was admitted to the bar in 1870. In 1876, Burt went into partnership with Edward Albert Stone (George Frederick's son), in the firm Stone and Burt.[1][8]

He was offered a knighthood in 1901 – Knight Commander of St Michael and St George (KCMG) – but declined it.[3] He also declined several invitations to join the bench of the Supreme Court, including the position of chief justice at the request of Premier George Leake in 1901.[1][8][9]

He died on 15 May 1919,[1][8][10][11] and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.[12]

  1. ^ a b c d e f De Garis, B. K.; Stannage, Tom. "Burt, Septimus (1847–1919)". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Canberra: National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. ISBN 978-0-522-84459-7. ISSN 1833-7538. OCLC 70677943. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  2. ^ a b Muir, Alison & Dinee (1982). Forrest Family, Pioneers of Western Australia, 1842-1982. J.R. Muir & Son. pp. 101, 105–106. ISBN 0-9592883-0-9.
  3. ^ a b Burt Family Papers and Personal Notebook, J S Battye Library, Perth
  4. ^ "Antigua and Barbuda". World Statesmen.org. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  5. ^ B. Schemmel. "Countries An-Az: Antigua and Barbuda". rulers.org. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
  6. ^ Carribeana, Colonel H W Pook
  7. ^ The House of Commons: 1660 - 1690; 3, Members M - Y, Stanley T. Bindoff, John S. Roskell, Lewis Namier, Romney Sedgwick, David Hayton, Eveline Cruickshanks, R. G. Thorne, P. W. Hasler
  8. ^ a b c d e Black, David; Bolton, Geoffrey (1990). Biographical Register of Members of the Parliament of Western Australia. Vol. One, 1870–1930. p. 41. ISBN 0-7316-9782-0.
  9. ^ Bolton, Geoffrey; Byrne, Geraldine (2005). May it please Your Honour : a history of the Supreme Court of Western Australia 1861-2005. ISBN 0-9590067-7-X.
  10. ^ "Burt, Septimus (1847–1919)". Obituaries Australia. National Centre of Biography, Australian National University. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  11. ^ "Death Of Mr. Septimus Burt, K.C." Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 - 1954). Perth, WA: National Library of Australia. 16 May 1919. p. 30. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
  12. ^ "Summary Of Record Information - Septimus Burt". Metropolitan Cemeteries Board, Government of Western Australia. Retrieved 23 July 2011.