Summary
The story of Edith Cowan, Australia's first woman elected to Parliament, is intertwined with a shocking family tragedy that dates back to 1876. Cowan's father, Kenneth Brown, gained notoriety after he shot and killed his second wife, Mary Ann, in a case that raised significant questions about wealth, justice, and societal norms in colonial Western Australia. The murder, witnessed by several people, was a pivotal moment in Cowan's life, shaping her future advocacy for women's rights and social reform.
Brown's troubled life began in England before he migrated to Western Australia, where he faced numerous hardships, including the death of his mother and the trauma of witnessing violence. His descent into alcoholism and violent behavior culminated in the murder of Mary Ann, which he claimed was impulsive and driven by her alleged provocations. Despite overwhelming evidence against him, Brown's trial was marked by a jury composed of his peers, wealthy landowners who ultimately sympathized with him, leading to a not guilty verdict in the first trial.
However, following a retrial with a different jury, Brown was found guilty and sentenced to death. His execution in June 1876 left a lasting impact on Cowan, who had already experienced significant loss in her young life. This tragedy fueled her commitment to social justice, ultimately leading her to become a prominent figure in Australian politics and a symbol of women's rights, as reflected in her image on the $50 note. The complexities of her father's life and actions serve as a stark reminder of the societal issues surrounding gender and justice that persist today.
Show Notes
Edith Cowan, Australia's first woman elected to parliament, is celebrated on our $50 note. But her path to becoming a pioneering advocate for women and children began with a devastating childhood, when her father was hanged for the murder of her stepmother. Michael Adams, host of Forgotten Australia and the new podcast Australian Murder, joins us to explore the story. ATC Plus subscribers can listen to this episode ad free here. You can watch our episodes by visiting our Youtube Channel here. Join our Facebook Group here. Do you have information regarding any of the cases discussed on this podcast? Please report it on the Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1800 333 000. Wanting to hear about certain kinds of crime? Check out our Spotify playlists for a curated list of our episodes. For Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14
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CREDITS:
Host: Meshel Laurie Guest: Michael Adams Executive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard
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