Thomas Brian Nugent
Thomas Brian Nugent | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Died | August 11, 1911 (aged 63) |
| Occupation(s) | Stockman, pastoralist, bushranger |
| Known for | Leadership of The Ragged Thirteen bushrangers; management of Lake Nash Station and Banka Banka Station |
Thomas Brian Nugent (born 14 March 1848, died 11 August 1911) was a notable figure in Australia's Northern Territory, known for his roles as a stockman, pastoralist, and bushranger.
Biography
Originating from Maitland, New South Wales, details regarding Nugent's youth remain scarce. He made his way to the Northern Territory during the early 1880s, beginning his career as a stockman before advancing to manage Lake Nash Station, situated east of Alpurrurulam, Northern Territory. Following the station’s sale in 1882, Nugent took up work at several nearby cattle stations.
In 1885, while employed at Eva Downs Station, Nugent led a group of thirteen men traveling to the Halls Creek goldrush in Western Australia. This band, known as The Ragged Thirteen and named by Nat Buchanan, operated under Nugent’s leadership. From 1885 to 1887, they engaged in bushranging activities around Halls Creek, including horse-related thefts such as one at Victoria River Downs Station where Nugent used the pseudonym Lockhart to orchestrate the stealing of horseshoes—items of considerable value in isolated regions.
According to author Ernestine Hill, despite their endeavors, The Ragged Thirteen never found gold and ultimately disbanded after approximately two years.
Around 1887, Nugent returned to the Northern Territory and, alongside fellow member Robert Anderson, secured pastoral leases at Tobermorey and Banka Banka. He also briefly served as a linesman on the Australian Overland Telegraph Line. By the turn of the century, Nugent had transformed Banka Banka into a thriving station notable for its well-maintained garden that produced high-quality vegetables.
In 1902, William Linklater—also known as Billy Miller—became associated with Banka Banka and collaborated with Nugent in cattle rustling operations across the Queensland and Western Australia borders. Linklater later pursued prospecting and authored an account of The Ragged Thirteen based on Nugent’s narratives.
Nugent’s health declined in 1911, prompting him to seek medical care at Tennant Creek Telegraph Station where he passed away on 11 August and was subsequently interred.