William CRANE

CRANE, WILLIAM (b. 1824; d. 26 May 1914). Magistrate.

Crane was educated at Sydney College. A one time proprietor of a 'fancy repository' in King Street Newtown, he was also a stipendiary magistrate before he retired to nearby Stanmore. Crane attended St Stephen's Newtown and was the Sunday school superintendent for 25 years. Crane was a prominent member of the Sydney synod, representing the country parish of Narellan for more than 25 years and was a member of its Standing Committee. Crane was, however, more active in philanthropic organisations, being a member of the Church Society (later the Home Mission Society) for 57 years, a member of the Bible Society for 40 years and was also associated with the Benevolent Society, the Sydney Female Refuge (as its honorary secretary) and the Sydney City Mission for much of his life.

Crane was an active member of the Church of England Association, a lay, low church party which was dominant in the 1880s, and had a close association with Justice W J Foster, the Association's president.

In his early years Crane had an active interest in gold prospecting, and was also remembered after his death as 'one of the first men in Sydney to smite a round piece of leather with a bit of carpentered willow'.

Aust Worker 4 June 1914; ACR 29 May 1915; SMH 4 April 1910; SDM 1 July 1914

STEPHEN JUDD