Time to Find a Different Job

Credit: Library of Congress

It was getting increasingly difficult (and expensive) for Thomas to defend himself against charges that seemed to be filed on a regular basis. According to one website, a $60 fine is comparable to $822 in 2002 dollars. So imagine how Thomas and friends would deal with a fine of more than $10,000 in today's dollars. 

Commonwealth vs. Thomas H. Probert

Tuesday Morning, February 14th, 1865

Commonwealth

Tho. H. Probert                                                                          Indictment for keeping a gaming house.

          Upon motion of the Atty. for the Commonwealth, this indictment is ordered to be dismissed as to Deft. Mooney. The Deft, T. H. Probert came personally into court and confessed Judgment in favor of the Commonwealth for $500. It is, therefore, now adjudged by the court that the Commonwealth recover of said Defendant the sum of Five hundred dollars with interest from this date till paid the cost herein. It is now further adjudged that the license of said Probert to keep a coffee house in Mt. Sterling, Ky. be forfeited and declared null and void from this date, and that he be not permitted to recover said license.

HE DIDN"T EVEN FIGHT THE CHARGES! In fact, he probably took the "rap" for his friend, Mooney.

Eventually, Thomas had to file for bankruptcy.

If you're keeping score, Thomas is now the father of 16 and 20-year old daughters from his first marriage, and a two-year old daughter with Kate. But Thomas was not beat yet.