Frederick Spicer facts for kids
Frederick Spicer (born 1820 – died 7 May 1905) was a medical doctor and a politician in the early days of the South Australian colony. He was known for his work as a surgeon and for serving in local government.
About Frederick Spicer
His Medical Career
Frederick Spicer was one of five brothers, and four of them became doctors. He moved to Victoria, Australia, in the early 1850s. He worked as a doctor in St. Kilda, Victoria for a while.
In 1862, Dr. Spicer moved to South Australia. He took a job as a House Surgeon at the Adelaide Hospital. A House Surgeon is a doctor who lives and works at a hospital. In 1864, he took over a medical practice in Kensington. Later, he had a practice in Adelaide with another doctor, Augustus Davies.
In 1867, Dr. Spicer was part of a group that looked into how the Adelaide Hospital was being run. This group suggested many big changes for the hospital, even though the main government doctor, Robert Waters Moore, disagreed.
Around 1871, Dr. Spicer went back to England. He passed away in Tufnell Park and is buried in his family's vault in Highgate Cemetery.
His Political Life
In December 1869, Frederick Spicer was elected to the Adelaide City Council. This council helps manage the city of Adelaide. Some people criticized his election because he owned many shares in the South Australian Gas Company. He also strongly supported using gas lights for the city. This made some people wonder if he would make decisions that helped his business more than the city.
In February 1870, he was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly. This is like the main government group for South Australia. He represented the area called The Sturt. He became a member after another politician, Richard Bullock Andrews, left his job. Dr. Spicer served until March 1870, working alongside Joseph Fisher. He tried to get re-elected in the next election but did not win.
His Family
Frederick Spicer was married and had three children: two sons and one daughter.
- His son, Dr. R. H. S. Spicer, became a specialist in ear, nose, and throat problems in London.
- His second son was born in Adelaide and became a medical doctor in the Royal Navy.
- His only daughter was also born in Adelaide. She married Mr. Roques, who was a well-known architect in London.
Frederick also had a brother named Edward H. Spicer (born 1 January 1817 – died 7 May 1906). Edward was a businessman who lived in Rose Park. He moved to South Australia in 1838. Edward married Elizabeth, and their daughter, Elizabeth Spicer, later married Edwin T. Smith.
Two other brothers of Frederick also trained as doctors. However, they later found that working in business with Edward was more enjoyable for them.
