The Tragic Story of George Henry Biggs: A Father's Betrayal

A Father's Dark Legacy

Saintly or evil, everyone has a story to tell, and this is a sad one. When George Henry Biggs lost his wife, Ethel Martha (nee Mills), in January 1925, he was left with nine children to raise.

Unfortunately, George was not a good father. Just a few months after burying his wife, he was brought before the court, charged with 'carnally knowing his daughter, Elsie May Biggs (13 years)'.

Judge Beeby, at the Parramatta Quarter Sessions, upon sentencing, said:

"You have been found guilty of one of the most repulsive crimes a man can commit - a crime that makes you unfit to mix with ordinary people."

It was revealed in the courtroom that Biggs had become his daughter's predator only two or three weeks after Ethel had died. Elsie testified that her father had taken advantage of her from January every Monday night until some time in August.

The change in Elsie became noticeable to one of her aunts, a sister to Ethel. Concerned, she questioned George about his behaviour. He claimed that someone had a grudge against him. In fact, during the trial, he blamed Elsie for being a liar.

"About two months ago," he said, "I gave her a thrashing and she said, 'You will be sorry for this.'"

Biggs even stated that before she died, his wife had to discipline Elsie for lying and stealing. He claimed she had warned him to watch out for her because she was trouble.

After a short deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Biggs was sentenced to seven years in gaol. This was a small measure of justice for the young girl who had suffered at the hands of her own father.

His illegal activities did not stop after his stint in gaol. In 1935, Biggs was fined 5 pounds for illegal betting. Just a year later, he was found in a common gaming house without lawful approval.

This pattern of behavior suggests that Biggs struggled to reintegrate into society after his release. His actions continued to reflect a disregard for the law and morality.

George Henry Biggs died in 1945 and was buried in Rookwood Cemetery. His life serves as a grim reminder of the darkness that can exist within families.

The consequences of Biggs's actions extended far beyond his own life. His children were left to grapple with the trauma of their father's betrayal. The loss of their mother, combined with their father's heinous acts, created a legacy of pain and suffering.

References

• 'Apprehensions', New South Wales, Australia, Police Gazettes, 1854-1930, accessed 14th September, 2025, www.ancestry.com.au

• 'Child's awful plight', The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, Friday 18 September 1925, Page 1

• 'George Henry Biggs', New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930, accessed 14th September, www.ancestry.com.au

• 'George Henry Biggs', Findagrave, accessed 14th September, 2025, George Biggs (unknown-1945) - Find a Grave Memorial