From Felon to Freeman: a Convict's Reclaimed Life
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From Felon to Freeman: A Convict's Reclaimed Life Speculative Biography and Exegesis by Jeffrey William Reaney Thesis Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy School of Education and the Arts Central Queensland University June 2020 Abstract This PhD consists of a speculative biography that follows the life of a convict named William Coombe, who was transported from England to Australia in 1835. The narrative recounts his life journey from a small English village through his crime, trial, transportation to and assignment in, Australia. It relates the story of his re-entry into society after gaining a conditional pardon, thus assisting to close an identified gap in convict literature. The speculative biography drew together the elements comprising his redemption: work, family, social and political activity, and other pursuits he followed in building his future. His life demonstrated that convicts could successfully rehabilitate, ‘the stain’ could be expunged and ex-convicts could make a productive contribution to society. The story also provides insights into Queensland’s colonial history and the role of convicts therein. The exegesis explores speculative biography and the scholarly debates associated with colonial convict history. The main research questions revolve around better understanding how and why the speculative biography has been used to write the past, then how and why the creative artefact conforms and sometimes differs to this contentious biographical sub- genre. The exegesis also asks what are the key fictional and historical techniques authors typically use when mobilising this sub-genre and what specific challenges and obligations were encountered when doing so. Using the Practice-led research methodology, the exegesis offers a critical explanation of how the research questions were addressed and answered, thereby adding to the store of knowledge regarding the application of utilising the speculative biography in producing historical works within various contexts. Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page ii CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT By submitting this thesis for formal examination at CQUniversity Australia, I declare that it meets all requirements as outlined in the Research Higher Degree Theses Policy and Procedure. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page iii STATEMENT OF AUTHORSHIP AND ORIGINALITY By submitting this thesis for formal examination at CQUniversity Australia, I declare that all of the research and discussion presented in this thesis is original work performed by the author. No content of this thesis has been submitted or considered either in whole or in part, at any tertiary institute or university for a degree or any other category of award. I also declare that any material presented in this thesis performed by another person or institute has been referenced and listed in the reference section. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT This RHD candidature was supported under the Commonwealth Government’s Research Training Program/Research Training Scheme. I gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Australian Government. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page v PREVIOUS SUBMISSION STATEMENT This paper has not been submitted for an award by another research degree candidate (Co- Author), either at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page vi COPYRIGHT STATEMENT By submitting this thesis for formal examination at CQUniversity Australia, I acknowledge that thesis may be freely copied and distributed for private use and study; however, no part of this thesis or the information contained therein may be included in or referred to in any publication without prior written permission of the author and/or any reference fully acknowledged. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page vii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF OTHER SUPPORT This research was undertaken with the kind support of the following people. To Associate Professor Dr Wally Woods (retired), my original Supervisor, who first raised the possibility of my applying to begin doctoral study, and provided valuable feedback on the chapters of the first half of the artefact. To Dr Michael Danaher, originally my Associate Supervisor, who continually supported and encouraged me, and who stepped into the role of Principal Supervisor following Wally’s retirement. Thank you for your constant encouragement and comments that have greatly improved the finished product beyond what I could have envisaged. To Dr Teresa Moore, one of my two Associate Supervisors, thank you for encouraging me by providing insightful comments on various drafts of the artefact and exegesis. To Dr Nicole Anae, my other Associate Supervisor, thank you for encouraging me by also providing insightful comments on various drafts of the artefact and particularly the exegesis. To Dr Kiera Lindsey, who provided valuable comments which led to significant improvement in the almost-finished work. To my wife Shelley, who has patiently shared the PhD journey with me and who read my early chapters, providing valuable feedback for future iterations of chapters of the artefact. Last but not least, thank you to my mother’s long-time friend and relative, Cathie Tennent, great-granddaughter of William Coombe, who first brought his convict past to my attention and allowed me to photocopy several official documents she possessed pertaining to his life in servitude. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page viii DEDICATION I wish to dedicate this PhD to the following people: To the long-dead convicts, who often endured bitter deprivation and harsh treatment in building the infrastructure of the new colonies in Australia. To those who had the task of overseeing and guarding the convicts, an unenviable task so far from home. They were also victims of the times. To the Aboriginal inhabitants of the Moreton Bay District at that time in history, whose lives were significantly impacted by European encroachment on their traditional lands. To the free people, and those who became free, for the hard work they did in opening up the country, thereby enabling future development which paved the way for prosperity that positioned the colonies for nationhood. Jeffrey William Reaney June 2020 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page ix Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................ ii Candidate’s Statement...................................................................................................... iii Statement of Authorship and Originality........................................................................... iv Acknowledgement of support provided by the Australian Government ............................ v Previous Submission Statement ........................................................................................ vi Copyright Statement ........................................................................................................ vii Acknowledgement of other support ................................................................................ viii Dedication ....................................................................................................................... ix Speculative Biography 1 The Beginning ................................................................................................................ 2 2 Capture and Trial .......................................................................................................... 16 3 Life on the Hulk ............................................................................................................ 26 4 The Voyage to Australia ............................................................................................... 40 5 Arrival and Assignment ................................................................................................. 52 6 Life in the Hunter Valley ............................................................................................... 64 7 Change comes to Skellatar ........................................................................................... 76 8 From Felon to Freeman ................................................................................................ 90 9 Unfolding the Dream .................................................................................................. 104 10 Gold, Farm and Family .............................................................................................. 112 11 Becoming a Citizen ................................................................................................... 124 12 Citizenship Consolidated .......................................................................................... 136 13 Life and Death .......................................................................................................... 150 Exegesis Chapter 1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 166 1.1 My attraction to this area of study ......................................................... 168 1.2 The issue driving this inquiry and why it matters .................................... 169 Jeff Reaney C98035686 Page x 1.3 The research questions posed by the project .........................................