Florence Brennan was born in 1850 in County Mayo, Ireland.
He was the eldest of 11 children born to Silas and Grace Brennan.
In 1866, Florence was arrested with his brother, Douglas, for stealing bread.
They were deported to Newgate Prison in England,
to await transportation to Australia.
Florence and Douglas travelled on the Hougoument in 1868.
Douglas died en route.
Florence served very little time in gaol.
Together with other convicts, he worked on public works, such as road building.
Well-behaved Florence was soon granted a ticket of leave.
He could now work for money.
After only 4 years, he was given a conditional pardon,
which meant he had complete freedom to do any anything except return to England.
Florence gained social respectability by becoming a successful merchant and trader.
Although it was rare for ex-convicts to marry free settlers,
Florence married Jean, the daughter of a merchant sailor with whom he had dealings.
They had 4 children:
Constance b. 1876
Maisie b. 1877
Wilberforce b. 1880
Conal b. 1882
He was the eldest of 11 children born to Silas and Grace Brennan.
In 1866, Florence was arrested with his brother, Douglas, for stealing bread.
They were deported to Newgate Prison in England,
to await transportation to Australia.
Florence and Douglas travelled on the Hougoument in 1868.
Douglas died en route.
Florence served very little time in gaol.
Together with other convicts, he worked on public works, such as road building.
Well-behaved Florence was soon granted a ticket of leave.
He could now work for money.
After only 4 years, he was given a conditional pardon,
which meant he had complete freedom to do any anything except return to England.
Florence gained social respectability by becoming a successful merchant and trader.
Although it was rare for ex-convicts to marry free settlers,
Florence married Jean, the daughter of a merchant sailor with whom he had dealings.
They had 4 children:
Constance b. 1876
Maisie b. 1877
Wilberforce b. 1880
Conal b. 1882
For reflection ...
Florence was an ex- convict,
who eventually proved himself to be a contributing member of society.
How do we view offenders and convicts in our community?
What prejudices and fears do we harbour?
Florence was an ex- convict,
who eventually proved himself to be a contributing member of society.
How do we view offenders and convicts in our community?
What prejudices and fears do we harbour?