James Josey (12 August 1821-28 February 1908), became known as the ‘Father of Redbank Plains’ after becoming the largest landowner in the Redbank Plains District of Queensland, Australia.

James Josey was born in Aldworth, Berkshire England to a sawyer, Richard Josey and Elizabeth (nee Nicholls). Though they never met, James was uncle to Richard Josey, the renowned engraver.

On 22 February 1840, aged 19, he was convicted of robbery and sentenced to 15 years transportation. Sent on the convict ship ‘Eden’ in April 1840, he arrived in New South Wales, Australia on 18 November 1840.

Biography

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.

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

Pioneer Settlers

James Josey is known as the ‘Father of Redbank Plains’ after becoming the largest landowner in the Redbank Plains District. Born in Aldworth, Berkshire England, 12 August 1821, James Josey was the son of a sawyer. In 1840 he was convicted for robbing a wagon and sentenced to 15 years penal servitude. He travelled on the convict ship ‘Eden’ to Australia and was sent to Moreton Bay in April 1841.

After working on a farm in Limestone (now Ipswich), James received his ticket of leave in April 1847, which entitled him to take up any occupation he wished. James entered into a partnership with a carpenter William Vowles. Along with a sawyer named Crouch, these men became pioneer sawyers at Pine Mountain and were involved in building the early houses of Ipswich.

In 1859 James Josey and George Faircloth purchased the first 1000 acres around Opossum Creek. They leased and later purchased another 5700 adjoining acres. James also owned acreage in Redbank Plains, 420 acres, and New Chum, 106 acres. By the 1870’s he owned approximately 27km2 (2700 ha) in the district.

Eden Station was the name given to the main property on which James and his family resided. The farm initially produced timber and cattle, and later sugar and cotton crops. The operation was considered so successful that the Governor took visitors to Eden Station to show how convicts could succeed in the new colony.

Ipswich City Council, Qld, Australia