Thomas Good

Story

Thomas was born in Brockhurst England 10.4.1812, to William and Elizabeth Good. His father is shown to be a Carrier. Along with a brother William, Thomas was baptised on 2.5.1813, in the County of Southampton. I have no knowledge of his childhood days, but hope he managed to have some enjoyment during that period. At 17 years the life of Thomas became hell on earth, enough to break the spirit of any human being, no matter how tough their character.

Source : East Sussex Record Office England.

‘ The information & complaint of James Humphries, Parish of BrightonÉbefore me the undersigned one of His Majesty\’s Justice of the PeaceÉthis 30th day of March year of our Lord 1830 who saith in the presence of the Prisoner Thomas Good as follows. Friday last I was at Lewes Races & about one o\’clock I was in a booth & went to sleep for about an hour. Upon waking up I mislaid my hat and my handkerchief. I saw the prisoner in the booth when I went to sleep, but did not see him when I awoke. The hat now produced by Cherriman the Crier, is my property and is worth three shillingsÉ. George Cherriman of Brighton Crier maketh oath in the presence of the Prisoner and saith as follows. From information I received I took the Prisoner into custody yesterday about 2 o\’clock on suspicion of felony. I found the hat now produced, upon the prisoner\’s head. The prisoner said to Humphrey in my presence,

‘I bought the hat off Andrew but if it is yours you may have it and I will give you my handkerchief off my neck whilst I go and fetch yours, or I will pay you for it.

Plea : Not guilty. Jury : GuiltyÉSentence. Transported for Life

18th Oct 1830, along with other prisoners, Thomas Good was taken aboard the sailing ship ‘ THE ROYAL GEORGE ‘ and his journey began on his way to Australia. Thomas had turned 18 years since the trial, and at that tender age, he was taken from his family, never to see them again. ALL THAT FOR A HAT AND A HANDKERCHIEF – IT GOT MUCH WORSE

The ROYAL GEORGE made a journey in 1838, with paying passengers, and I have an extract from the Captains records of that journey. Quote: ‘When circumstances admit of fresh beef being issued, each person above the age of 14 years receive 10 ounces of beef, 1 lb potatoes, plus flour, and raisins for a pudding on Sundays. Tea and sugar according to scale’. I imagine little concern applied when it came time for the prisoners meal time. Deaths occurred during the long voyage, and BURRIED AT SEA was the practice of the times.

Thomas was taken to the notorious Port Arthur confinement when he arrived in Australia. It was here that his life became intolerable. I have abbreviated details of the inhumane treatment and punishment Thomas suffered from March 1832 to Jan 1844. Suffice to say that he must have been of very strong will, and prone to rebel, time and time again. Guilty or not guilty, how would you have reacted? Life was now pure hell for Thomas.

Basic conduct record.

March 1832 36 lashes. June 1832 Cell bread & water until Monday.

Aug 1832 36 lashes on Breech (Bare buttock). Aug 1832 8 months Chain gang.

May 1833 100 lashes. June 1833 12 months hard labour. Aug 1833 Solitary Confinement Bread and Water. Nov 1833 23 lashes. June 1834 6 weeks Goal Gang. Nov 1834 One month in irons. Oct 1834 2 months hard labour. Mar 1836 12 months Chain gang. Mar 1836 Cell bread & water 48 hours. May 1836 Bread and Water 48 hours. Dec1837 10 days Treadwheel, sleep cell at night. Jun 1838 2 days Bread & water. Placed in Stocks after work until sundown. Nov 1838 Hard labour in Chains. Feb 1840 Returned to cell.

Recommended for a Pardon Jan 1844 – Approved 1845. Thomas was now free and could move to any part of Australia. Why he continued to rebel and take such horrific punishment is difficult to comprehend. I would suggest that Thomas was now and finally, A BROKEN MAN. Further readings suggest his mind became unstable.

Thomas moved to Victoria and married Mary Hanlon 21st April 1852. This marriage produced; Elizabeth Mary Ð George William Ð Martha Ellen Ð Thomas – and Sara. Thomas is shown to be a shoemaker and groom, and also took out a miner\’s licence. He never struck it rich, and became an odd-job man. Sadly, Thomas was found to commit suicide at Milkmaids Flat 14.11.1861. Only wife Mary and a Biddy Clarke, (intoxicated) were in the vicinity of the shooting. The latter is described as a habitual drunkard, associated with thieves and a woman of the worst character. What is puzzling is that Thomas was found to shoot himself THREE times. Strange.

Whatever Thomas may or may no have been guilty of, I find it very sad, when I stop to think of the life of my Great, Great Grandfather.

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