Richard Bowker (Australian businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Bowker
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| Born | August 30, 1815. Campsall, Yorkshire
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| Died | April 3, 1903 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | British/Australian |
| Occupation | surgeon |
| Known for | Member of Parliament |
Richard Ryther Steer Bowker (born August 30, 1815 – died April 3, 1903) was an important figure in Australian history. He was a skilled sailor, a doctor, a surgeon, and a politician. He helped shape early Australia through his medical work and his time in government.
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Richard Bowker's Early Life and Learning
Richard Bowker was born in a place called Campsall in Yorkshire, England. His parents were Thomas Dawson and Elizabeth Steer. He was very smart and loved to learn.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1836, Richard studied in Paris, France. He earned special papers in botany, which is the study of plants, and materia medica, which is about medicines. Later, in 1839, he got his medical degree from the University of St Andrews. This made him a fully qualified doctor.
Journey to Australia
In 1841, Richard Bowker traveled to Australia. He first visited on a ship called the Shepherd. Then, he moved to Melbourne, which was part of the Colony of New South Wales at the time. He sailed on another ship called the Georgiana.
Richard kept a diary during his long journey. This diary was later published in 2016 by one of his family members. It tells us a lot about his adventures. His diary also shares details about his time working as a sailor on a whaling ship called the Caroline from 1841 to 1842. Whaling ships were used to hunt whales.
He continued his travels, sailing from London to the Cape of Good Hope in 1845. From there, he went to India. In 1846, he worked as the ship's doctor on a journey from India to Mauritius. On this trip, he cared for many workers traveling to Mauritius. He then sailed back to India, arriving in Madras in September 1846.
Richard Bowker's Career and Public Service
When Richard Bowker settled in New South Wales, he quickly began his medical career. He was a very busy and dedicated doctor.
Medical Work in Newcastle
In 1842, Richard was appointed as a medical doctor for the Loyal Union Lodge in Newcastle. This was a local organization that provided support, including medical care, to its members. He worked there until 1844.
He also worked as a surgeon on ships that transported people from India to Mauritius and Durban between 1846 and 1847. He returned to the Loyal Union Lodge in Newcastle in 1847.
From 1851 to 1853, Richard traveled to the East Indies. He spent this time studying tropical diseases. These are illnesses that are common in hot, humid climates.
Further Medical Training
After his research, Richard briefly returned to Newcastle. Then, he went to England to continue his medical education. In 1854, he earned more important medical qualifications. He became a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons. These are high honors for doctors and surgeons.
Becoming a Politician
Richard Bowker returned to Newcastle once more. He decided to get involved in politics to help his community.
Serving in Parliament
In January 1858, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales. This is like being a member of parliament today. He represented the North-Eastern Boroughs until 1859.
In November 1858, he married Lydia Frances Phillips. They had a large family with three daughters and six sons.
From 1862 or 1863 until 1874, Richard held several important public roles at the same time. He was an assistant surgeon for the Volunteer Artillery, a health officer for Newcastle, and a government medical officer.
Improving Public Health
Richard was very concerned about public health. He worried about cemeteries being too close to towns. He believed they could pollute the water supply, especially wells and swamps that people used for drinking water.
He worked hard to convince the City of Newcastle Council to build a new cemetery. He wanted it far away from the town, in a place called Sandgate. His efforts helped make the city a healthier place to live. Besides his work in public health, he also became known as a skilled eye surgeon.
Later Life and Achievements
Richard Bowker was also a successful businessman. He owned ships and valuable properties in the city. He also owned a large piece of land, about 22 acres, in Waratah, New South Wales.
He enjoyed breeding racehorses at his estate called Bona Vista, near Paterson.
Richard continued his political career. He was elected as the member for Newcastle from 1877 to 1888. In 1888, he was given a special appointment for life to the New South Wales Legislative Council. This meant he would be a part of the government for the rest of his life.
In 1873, he moved to a house called Avoca House in Darling Point, Sydney. This is where he lived until he passed away.
