User:Stickee/James Josey

James Josey (12 August 1821 – 21 February 1903) was an English-born grazier who was transported as a convict to Australia for the crime of robbery. He was dubbed the father of Redbank Plains for settling land in the area.

Early years and transportation
James Josey was born on 12 August 1821 in either the Aldworth or Reading towns of Berkshire, England. Josey was convicted in the Berks assizes aged 18 for the crime of robbing a wagon and was sentenced to 15 years transportation. He departed on the ship Eden in July 1840 with 270 convicts and arrived in the Port Jackson settlement in November. He was relocated five months later to the Moreton Bay region.

Work and land ownership
Josey received his ticket of leave in 1847 which allowed him to own land and take up any occupation.