William Gosse (surgeon) facts for kids

William Gosse (born around 1813 – died July 20, 1883) was an important doctor in the early days of South Australia. He helped set up many medical services and institutions in the new colony.

Early Life and Medical Career

William Gosse was born in Carbonear, Newfoundland. His family moved to Poole, England, when he was young. He studied medicine with a local doctor and later at Guy's Hospital in London. After finishing his studies, he started his own medical practice in Hoddesdon, England. There, he married Agnes Grant.

They lived in England for about 15 years. However, William Gosse had a lung condition called bronchitis. Hoping a warmer climate would help, they decided to move to Australia. They first arrived in Melbourne in 1850 but quickly moved to Adelaide, arriving on December 31, 1850. In 1851, he briefly joined the gold rush but soon returned to South Australia without finding gold.

Working as a Doctor

Back in Adelaide, Dr. Gosse teamed up with Dr. Benjamin Archer Kent. You might know Kent Town is named after Dr. Kent! In 1853, William Gosse became the Colonial Surgeon. This meant he was in charge of the main hospital, the mental asylum, and the prison. He made sure these places were run well.

He left this important job in 1857. He then worked with other doctors, including Dr. Anton Bayer and Dr. H. Thomas Whittell. Around 1870, he traveled to London to get a special medical qualification called F.R.C.S. and to Germany for his M.D. degree. Later, his son, Dr. Charles Gosse, joined him in his medical practice after getting his own qualifications in Britain.

Dr. Gosse was also chosen to be on the first Board of Management for the Royal Adelaide Hospital. He worked as an honorary surgeon there until 1876, when he retired and became a consulting surgeon.

Community Involvement

William Gosse was interested in many things beyond medicine. When he was young, he loved natural history and collected specimens for his cousin, the famous naturalist Philip Henry Gosse.

He was a Governor of the South Australian Institute for about 15 years. This institute was important for learning and culture in the colony.

Helping Others

Dr. Gosse helped Julia Farr start the Home for Incurables in 1878. This home provided care for people with long-term illnesses. He stayed involved with the home until he passed away.

He also visited the Parkside Lunatic Asylum regularly for many years. This was a place where people with mental health issues received care.

University and Societies

William Gosse was elected the first Warden of the Senate for the University of Adelaide. This was a very important role in the early days of the university. He held this position until his death.

He was also an active member of the Church of England Synod, representing Trinity Church. He was the first President of the South Australian Medical Society, which was only the second branch of the British Medical Association to be set up outside the United Kingdom.

For 20 years, he was the first medical officer in South Australia for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, a large insurance company. He was also a founding member of its local board.

Family Life

William Gosse (1813–1883) and Agnes Grant (1811–1891) had several children:

• Agnes Grant Gosse (1837–1909) married Alexander Hay. She was a writer and wrote several books. Sadly, she and her daughter Helen died when the ship SS Waratah sank.
• Mary (born around 1838 – died 1924) married Alexander Melville.
• David Grant Gosse (born around 1841 – died 1880) married Emily Sarah Fenn.
• William Christie Gosse (1842–1881) was a famous explorer. He married twice and died from a heart attack.
• Henry "Harry" (born around 1848 – died 1888) worked on a station and later as a tin miner. He sadly got lost and died in the Northern Territory.
• Dr. Charles Gosse (born around 1849 – died 1885) was an eye surgeon. He died after a horse carriage accident.

The Gosse family lived in several different homes in Adelaide over the years, including on King William Street, Grenfell Street, North Terrace, and Wakefield Street in Kent Town.

Recognition

The Gosse Wing at the Home for Incurables was named in his honor. His son Charles opened it in 1884, showing how much William Gosse contributed to helping others.