STONE, Sir Edward Albert (1844-1920)

chief justice of Western Australia

was born at Perth, Western Australia, on 9 March 1844. He was the second son of George Frederick Stone, formerly attorney-general of Western Australia, and was educated at Chigwell, Essex, England. He returned to Australia in 1860 and entering his father's office, was called to the bar in 1865, and was then taken into partnership. From 1870 to 1874 he was clerk of the legislative council, in 1879 he was appointed acting attorney-general, and he was nominated a member of the legislative council in 1880. He was an acting judge of the supreme court in 1880 and 1881, and was appointed crown solicitor in 1882. In 1884 he was made a puisne judge, and in 1901 succeeded Sir A. C. Onslow as chief justice. He carried out the duties with ability and success but resigned in 1906 on account of his health. He was appointed lieutenant-governor of the state and administered the government on several occasions. He died at Perth on 2 April 1920. He married in 1867 Susan Shenton, who survived him. There was a family of three sons and seven daughters. Stone was knighted in 1902 and created a K.C.M.G. in 1912. A man of high character he interested himself in the Church of England and in the various philanthropic, educational and cultural movements of his state.

The West Australian, 2 April 1920; Sir Edward A. Stone, Some Old-Time Memories; Burke's Peerage, etc., 1917.