By Manuhoa Kahalewai-Cook

I think that Gerrit Parmele Judd was the most influential foreigner in the 19th century. He helped Kamehameha III during the most difficult time of his reign.

In 1839, the king requested Dr. Judd to become a trustee of the chief's children's school so that he could help look after the royal children.

From 1839 until 1850 he was one of Kamehameha's most trusted aides. He advised the king on all important matters and was more like an attorney general than a foreign doctor. He was appointed commissioner to France, Great Britain and the U.S. He went on many important missions to these countries.Without Judd, King Kamehameha III would have had a more difficult time as a ruler.

Judd resigned from the government in 1853 to resume practicing medicine. If there had been trophies given for Hawaiian Statesmen, doctor Gerrit P. Judd would certainly have been first in line.