From Convict to Politician - William Groom by Mary Lou Simpson In order to assimilate, some ex-convicts changed their name, some told lies, and others locked it away. William henry Groom faced this problem as he forged a new life in early Toowoomba, where he went into business, fell in love, married and had children. Groom spent 38 years in the Queensland Parliament, which he steadfastly believed could create a just society. Travel with him as he builds a new life.