Thunderbolt Gibbons facts for kids

Thunderbolt Gibbons was the nickname of a leader of the Whiteboys in Ireland during the early 1800s. The Whiteboys were groups of farmers and laborers who protested against unfair rents and taxes. They often wore white shirts over their clothes to hide their identities.

Who Was Thunderbolt Gibbons?

Early Life and Leadership

Thunderbolt Gibbons came from a place called Barnaderg in Ireland. He became an important leader for the Whiteboys in his area. He was known for being very fast. This speed helped him escape many times when people tried to arrest him. Because of his quickness and escapes, people started calling him 'Thunderbolt'.

Trouble and Transportation

The Incident at Tyquin

One night, the Whiteboys had a meeting near Athenry, in a place called Tyquin. On the same night, a large house nearby was attacked. Because of this event, Gibbons had to run away and hide. He went to Connemara to find safety. However, he was eventually caught and arrested.

Sentence and Journey to Australia

After his arrest, Gibbons was sentenced to death. But his sister asked a man named Mr. Bodkin for help. Mr. Bodkin had the power to change a death sentence. While Mr. Bodkin could not set Gibbons free, he did manage to change his punishment. Instead of being executed, Gibbons was sent to Australia. This was a common punishment at the time, where people were sent to live in a far-off colony as a form of exile.

Life in Australia and Freedom

A Heroic Rescue

Years later, Thunderbolt Gibbons was working near the governor's house in Australia. He saw an Australian Aborigine person take the governor's only child and run into the wild bush. Thunderbolt quickly chased after them. After a long and difficult chase, he managed to rescue the child safely.

Return to Freedom and Success

Because he saved the governor's child, Thunderbolt Gibbons was finally set free. He was also given a good amount of money. He then sailed to the United States. There, he met up with his old friends and other Irish people who had left Ireland. He started a new life and became very successful. He lived a long life and died a wealthy man.

See also

• Neddy Lohan
• Captain Kitt
• Anthony Daly (Whiteboy)
• Clann Taidg