Biographical entry: Howitt, Alfred William (1830 - 1908)
- Born
- 1830
- Died
- 1908
Summary
Research Papers. Explorer and natural scientist, Howitt came to the Victorian goldfields in 1852; here he became attracted to the Australian bush and came to understand it intimately through his further experience in farming, droving, and exploration, and the study and collection of natural phenomena. In 1861 he led the expedition which recovered the remains of Burke and Wills, whereafter he entered a distinguished career as public servant ranging from goldfield warden to commissioner of audit and member of the Public Service Board on his retirement inl902. He then became deeply involved, often in collaboration with Lorimer Fison, in the scientific study of Aboriginal society, travelling and researching widely, and corresponding with possible informants. Howitt produced a large quantity of papers, memoirs and books, and is regarded as a pioneer in anthropological studies in Australia. Extensive collection of papers and collected material of an ethnographic nature, in ca.seven boxes. Includes notes on Aboriginal tribes in the Aramac, Blackall, Cardwell, Hughenden, Ingham, Kamilaroi, Mackay, Rockhampton and Townsville regions, also Belyando and Mitchell Rivers. Some material relates to the influence of frontier contact. Box 5 contains an account of the Burke and Wills expedition and Howitt's own expedition in search of them, includes details of John McKinlay's expedition and the burial place of Grey. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)