John Dustin Bicknell
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John D. Bicknell (June 25, 1838 – July 7, 1911) was a real estate attorney and investor. From 1872 to 1907 he participated in the Los Angeles real estate boom, and founded the firm that is now Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
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[edit] Early life and career
Bicknell was born in Jericho, Vermont, elder son of Nathaniel and Fanny (Thompson) Bicknell, and a direct descendant of Hannah Dustin.
Bicknell moved to Wisconsin where he attended college. In 1860 Bicknell went to Missouri, where he taught school for two years. Troubled by his asthma he decided to move to California. In 1862 he joined a group of emigrants and was elected captain of the expedition directing them to Knights Landing, California. Bicknell stayed in California until 1863, then resolved to go back to Wisconsin to study law. Bicknell was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of Wisconsin in 1865; and engaged in practice in Greenfield, Missouri.
Bicknell’s first marriage was to Maria Hatch, in Vermont, in 1868, but the bride lived but two months, dying in Wisconsin, where they then resided. The second marriage to the widow Nancy (Christian) Dobbins occurred in 1871.
[edit] Los Angeles legal practice
In 1872, Bicknell moved to Los Angeles. He participated in the real estate boom both as an attorney and through his own investments. In 1887 the Southern Pacific Railway chose Bicknell as it’s counsel because of his real estate reputation. Bicknell later became a lawyer for Huntington and the Los Angeles Suburban Railway. Bicknell was the attorney for General Rosencrans action to establish title to a large tract south of Los Angeles. He was president of the Los Angeles County bar association in 1890. [1]
From 1872 to 1875 he practiced in Los Angeles as Bicknell and Rothchild; from 1875 to 1886 he maintained an office alone; from 1886 to 1890 as Bicknell & White. From 1890 as Bicknell & Trask - this was later changed to Bicknell, Trask & Gibson, while a succeeding change added the names of Crutcher and Dunn. Bicknell retired in 1907. The firm continues as Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher.
[edit] Real estate investor
Bicknell was associated with the founding of Monrovia, California; Azusa, California, and the development of oil in the Santa Maria Valley. Bicknell Park in Montebello, California and Bicknell Avenue in Santa Monica, California are named for him.
[edit] References
- Guinn, James Miller (1915). A History of California and an Extended History of Los Angeles and Environs.
- Rodman, Willoughby (1909). History of the Bench and Bar of Southern California.
