William J. Butterworth of the Madras army succeeded Samuel Bonham as governor of the Straits Settlements in 1843 and served in office until 1855. The news of Butterworth's appointment was an unwelcomed surprise as Edmund Blundell, who was then acting governor, was expected to fill the post.[1] Taking up his duties "in a blaze of unpopularity",[2] the newcomer Butterworth came to be better known as "Butterpot the Great" for his stiff and pompous personality.[3]
Towards the latter part of his term, Butterworth managed to earn the goodwill of the population for the changes and improvements made under his charge.[4] In an effort to strengthen internal security after a spate of rioting between Chinese secret societies in May 1854, Butterworth supported the formation of the first volunteer defence force in the Straits Settlements, the Singapore Volunteer Rifle Corps, and became its first colonel.[5] His 12-year term also saw the construction of the Horsburgh and Raffles lighthouses, the Chinese Pauper Hospital (now known as the Tan Tock Seng Hospital) and the European Seamen's Hospital.[6]
On the occasion of Butterworth’s retirement in March 1855, various communities came forth to present addresses in appreciation of his contributions to the settlements.[7] For instance, the Singapore Chamber of Commerce expressed a deep appreciation of his earnest efforts to promote the trading interests of Singapore, and highlighted the remarkable commercial growth achieved during the period of his administration.[8]
Blundell, who had been passed over for governorship in 1843, succeeded Butterworth.[9]
References
1. Turnbull, C. M. (1972). The Straits Settlements, 1826–67: Indian presidency to crown colony. (pp. 317–318). London: Athlone Press. Call no.: RSING 959.57 TUR; Buckley, C. B. (1984). An anecdotal history of old times in Singapore 1819–1867 (p. 384). Singapore: Oxford University Press. Call no.: RSING 959.57 BUC-[HIS].
2. Makepeace, W., Brooke, G. E., & Braddell, R. St. J. (1991). One hundred years of Singapore (p. 87). Singapore: Oxford University Press. Call no.: RSING 959.57 ONE -[HIS].
3. Thomson, J. T. (1865). Some glimpses of life in the Far East [online book] (p. 269). London: Richardson & Company. Retrieved from BookSG.
4. Makepeace, Brooke & Braddell., p. 87.
5. Winsley, T. M. (1938). A history of the Singapore Volunteer Corps, 1854–1937: Being also an historical outline of volunteering in Malaya (pp. 2–4). Singapore: G.P.O. Call no.: RCLOS 355.23 WIN.
6. Buckley, 1984, pp. 409–410, 510–526.
7. Valedictory addresses to Governor Butterworth, C. B. (1855, March 27). The Straits Times, p. 5. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
8. Chamber of Commerce. (1855, March 27). The Straits Times, p. 5. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
9. Makepeace, Brooke & Braddell, 1991, p. 89.
The information in this article is valid as at 2014 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.