James Josey, convict Queenslander

Transcribed from Aldine History of Queensland, Volume 2 – Appendix: Biographical Sketches, page 143

Redbank Plains.

James Josey, Farmer and Grazier, of Opossum Creek, has been a resident of the district since 1859, in which year he purchased 1,000 acres of land here and commenced dairy farming and grazing. Since then he has, by frugality and industry, added 5,700 acres to his original holding, which is now the largest estate in the neighbourhood. He also owns 106 acres at New Chum, on the Six-mile Creek, while his homestead stands on a distinct portion of 420 acres on Redbank Plains, devoted to grazing purposes. He was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, 1819 and there learned the trade of a sawyer. He came to Sydney in 1840, and thence to Moreton Bay in 1841. Going to the Pine Mountains he worked at his trade and cut a large portion of the timber used in building up the town of Ipswich - then called Limestone. After a short absence from the Pine Mountains district he returned, and for two years and a half superintended the Boovall Estate, which he left to settle where he now resides. On this estate alone he grazes upwards of 400 head of cattle. He was married, in 1849, to a daughter of John Harris, of Brisbane, and has a family of five sons and eight daughters. They are adherents of the Anglican Church and their parent is looked upon as the "father" of Redbank Plains.

Disclaimer: This has been transcribed directly from the original document. Any mistakes are from the original document.

Transcribed from the newspaper The Queenslander, 28 February 1903, p.500

On Sunday occurred the death of Mr. James Josey, of 'Possum Creek, Redbank Plains, at the age of 83. Coming to Australia at the age of 19, the deceased gentleman almost at once took up pastoral pursuits, and after being engaged for some time on what was then known as the Booval station, started on his own account in the Redbank district, where ever since he has resided and been engaged in developing that district.  For many years he was favourably known as a successful dairy farmer and horse breeder, and he also started the first timber-getting industry in the same locality, the timber used in the flooring and ceiling of the existing premises of Messrs. Cribb and Foote coming from his estate.  The deceased was bluff in his manner, but thoroughly respected as one of the pioneers of the district, and for many years was a member of the Purga Divisional Board, in the affairs of which he took a keen and intelligent interest.  At the time of his death, Mr. Josey was the owner of 350 acres of the best farming land at Redbank Plains, and of 7000 acres at 'Possum Creek.  He had been married twice, and his second wife predeceased him by four months only.  He leaves eight daughters – namely, Mrs. Whitmore Logan, of Forest Hill ; Mrs. G. Logan, of Collinton ; Mrs. D. Jones, whose husband is employed in the Agricultural Department ; Mrs. J. Jones, Goodna ; Mrs. Hudson, Redbank Plains ; Mrs. A. Hillier, Goodna ; Mrs. J. Griffiths, of Rosevale ; and Mrs. Scarr, Brisbane.  He also leaves five sons – Mr. James Josey, of Colinton ; Mr. B. G. Josey, of Stewart's Creek, Townsville ; Mr. A. W. Josey, Redbank Plains ; Mr. John Josey, of Kilkivan ; and Mr. Andrew Josey, of Goodna.  It is understood that the deceased's descendants number some eighty souls.

Disclaimer: This has been transcribed directly from the original document. Any mistakes are from the original document.

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