William Crowther, Dutch-Australian politician, 14th Premier of Tasmania (d. 1885)

William Lodewyk Crowther (15 April 1817 – 12 April 1885) was a prominent and controversial figure in 19th-century colonial Tasmania, whose life was marked by a diverse career spanning medicine, politics, and business. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), his medical expertise and political ambitions saw him rise to the pinnacle of Tasmanian governance, serving as the Premier of Tasmania from 20 December 1878 to 29 October 1879. However, despite his professional achievements, Crowther's legacy is indelibly overshadowed by his central and deeply disturbing role in the mutilation of the body of William Lanne, who was tragically identified as the last male Aboriginal Tasmanian.

A Life of Diverse Pursuits

Born in London, England, Crowther emigrated to Tasmania with his family at a young age, where his father, a medical practitioner, had settled. Following in his father's footsteps, William Lodewyk Crowther pursued a career in medicine, distinguishing himself sufficiently to earn the coveted Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). This prestigious qualification underscored his significant medical skill and dedication, establishing him as a respected surgeon in the burgeoning colonial society of Hobart. His medical practice often involved treating the Indigenous population, giving him a unique, albeit often problematic, connection to the Aboriginal community.

Beyond medicine, Crowther immersed himself in the commercial life of Tasmania, engaging in various business ventures that further cemented his standing within the colony. His ambition soon extended to the political arena, where his influence grew steadily. He served in the Tasmanian Legislative Council and later the House of Assembly, demonstrating a keen interest in the colony's governance and development. His political career culminated in his appointment as Premier, a position he held for nearly a year, during a period of transition and growth for Tasmania.

The Shadow of William Lanne: A Profound Controversy

Despite his accomplishments, the historical narrative of William Lodewyk Crowther is dominated by a single, deeply unethical act that continues to provoke outrage and critical examination: his involvement in the desecration of William Lanne's remains. William Lanne, also known as 'King Billy,' passed away on 3 March 1869 in Hobart. He was widely, though contentiously, considered the last surviving male full-blooded Aboriginal Tasmanian, making his death a poignant and tragic milestone in the history of the island's Indigenous population, which had been decimated by European settlement and policies.

Lanne’s death triggered a grotesque and scientifically racist competition among various individuals and institutions, including Crowther, to acquire his skeletal remains for 'scientific study.' At the time, prevailing, yet now thoroughly discredited, theories of racial hierarchy and "scientific" anthropology fueled a macabre desire to collect the physical remains of Indigenous peoples, often without consent, for research and display. Despite Lanne's expressed wish to be buried peacefully, William Crowther, then a prominent surgeon, participated in a clandestine and morally reprehensible act. He surreptitiously entered the mortuary at Hobart General Hospital where Lanne’s body lay, and, with the help of others, removed Lanne’s skull. To conceal this act, a skull from another cadaver was placed in Lanne's coffin before burial.

News of the desecration soon broke, causing a significant public scandal. The act was widely condemned, even by some of Crowther's contemporaries, leading to an official inquiry and a lasting stain on his reputation. This incident not only highlighted the brutal realities of colonial scientific practices but also exposed the profound disrespect shown towards Aboriginal people and their cultural beliefs during that era. It remains a stark reminder of the injustices inflicted upon Tasmania's Indigenous population and the long-term impact of such actions on reconciliation efforts.

Legacy and Historical Reflection

William Lodewyk Crowther's life encapsulates the complex morality of the colonial period. While he contributed to the medical and political development of Tasmania, his actions concerning William Lanne's body represent a profound ethical failing that has, over time, overshadowed his other achievements. His story serves as a critical historical case study, prompting ongoing discussions about medical ethics, the treatment of Indigenous peoples, and the responsibilities of those in positions of power. His legacy continues to be debated, standing as a potent symbol of colonial scientific racism and the tragic consequences for Tasmania's First Peoples.

FAQs

Who was William Lanne?
William Lanne (c. 1835 – 1869), also known as "King Billy," was an Aboriginal Tasmanian often identified as the last surviving male full-blooded Aboriginal Tasmanian. His death marked a tragic point in the history of the island's Indigenous population, decimated by European colonization.
What was William Lodewyk Crowther's role in the mutilation of William Lanne's body?
Crowther, a prominent surgeon and politician, was implicated in secretly removing William Lanne's skull from the Hobart General Hospital mortuary after Lanne's death in 1869. This act of desecration was done for "scientific" collection, a practice common but ethically condemned during that era.
Why was Crowther's action so controversial?
His action was highly controversial because it violated Lanne's dignity, disrespected Aboriginal cultural beliefs regarding the deceased, and involved a clandestine act of grave robbing. It epitomized the scientific racism and objectification of Indigenous peoples prevalent during the colonial period, sparking public outrage even at the time.
What does FRCS stand for?
FRCS stands for Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. It is a highly respected professional qualification for surgeons, indicating a high level of surgical skill and expertise.
How long did William Lodewyk Crowther serve as Premier of Tasmania?
William Lodewyk Crowther served as Premier of Tasmania for a relatively brief period, from 20 December 1878 to 29 October 1879, a tenure lasting less than a year.