John Oxley papers

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, advising her of the despatch of goods via their cart, and that his 'curricle' or carriage had broken down on his journey home; he also advises of the imminent arrival of a number of bullocks to 'Kirkham' and how they would be disposed of in the coming season.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, that he has procured some of the fabric she has requested, and will send it on the cart; and advises that she should expect several visitors who are to value Mr A'Court's property. He also asks that Mr Owen keep a particular watch at night as he is feeling uneasy about her security.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, hinting that she may soon have a new 'Sister' which most likely refers to the approaching wedding of her brother James Norton to Jane Mackenzie in January 1824; and that he will be sending her some of the books and magazines from his collection that have been bound.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden. He regrets that he will be unable to attend a funeral related to the Howe family, who occupy the neighbouring property, and asks that Emma visit Mary Howe; he hopes to be accompanied on his next visit by her brother James and a 'sister' most likely his bride Jane. James Norton (1795 -1862) was one of colonies earliest practicing solicitors.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham', near Camden. He writes of unforeseeable delays that have kept him in Sydney, and requests she send the 'curricle' or carriage for his return journey to Kirkham. He also notes the departure of HMS Dauntless and of the many balls held, which he declined to attend.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham', near Camden. He writes of unforeseeable delays that have kept him in Sydney, and requests she send the 'curricle' or carriage for his return journey to Kirkham. He also notes the departure of HMS Dauntless and of the many balls held, which he declined to attend.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham', near Camden, explaining that Reverend Marsden has been delayed and should not be expected, and refers to both of their houses being full of guests. Oxley also remarks that he will make arrangements for Emma's sister or sister-in-law to visit from the Norton family property 'Fairlight' located north of 'Kirkham'.

John Oxley writes from Emu Plains House, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden. He has just returned from a journey of 14 days during which he met much wet weather; he has stayed quite well due to medication supplied by a Mr Stirling of the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). He sends best wishes to his sister Isabella who was being nursed by Emma.

Isabella Margaret Molesworth Oxley married Captain Francis Dixon, in 1823, they had two daughters: Elizabeth Isabella Georgiana Twells nee Dixon (1824-1906) and Frances Anna Marina Emma Dixon (1827-1907).

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, having just learned he is to accompany the Governor to Moreton Bay. He asks for many items to be despatched for his journey, including stores and equipment. Oxley also provides instructions for supplying provisions to the 'clearing parties' or convict employees that were due to start work while he is away,

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, a few lines advising that he is slowly returning to health, and hopes to travel to 'Kirkham' a few days hence.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, in reply to her note received just prior to his departure, with John Ovens (1788-7 December 1825) to survey Twofold Bay, south coast NSW. He advises on the use of the cart, and asks that Mr Trenholm inspect their wheat crop for infestations of caterpillars that were reportedly plaguing properties at the time.

John Oxley writes from his residence in Sydney, to his wife Emma at 'Kirkham' near Camden, regarding the postponement of their son Henry's christening. Both the Reverend Marsden and Mr Macarthur having been delayed until the convict ship 'Midas' departs. Oxley also refers to the delay of a voyage northward and his keen interest in Argyle. The Midas [ship] arrived in Port Jackson 17 December 1825, carrying 50 female prisoners and three children and departed on 29 January 1826 bound for England.

John Oxley who is away travelling writes from Windsor, NSW to his wife Emma at their property 'Kirkham', near Camden, enquiring of the health of her and their son. He has been delayed and will not be at 'Kirkham' for another week.

This hand-written letter is a copy of the last official letter written by John Oxley to the Governer of New South Wales, Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling, tendering his resignation and as Surveyor-General and seeking retirement.

Oxley refers to his service of twenty six years to the Colony, seventeen of which were as Surveyor-General and requests he be granted retirement on half-pay and an additional grant of land in compensation for his services rendered, most particularly during the two major expeditions that he conducted. Oxley died 12 days later.

Handwritten death notice and record of the state funeral service for John Oxley. The funeral service which was held at St James Church, Sydney, was read by the Reverend Richard Hill, and attended by many colonial dignitaries. Oxley was buried at the Devonshire Street Cemetery.

Handwritten extracts from 'Historical records of New South Wales' Vols. 6 & 7.

Vol 6 Item 1: Letter from Ex-Governor King to Secretary Marsden, H.M.S. Buffalo, Port Jackson, dated 8 November 1806
Item 2. Letter from Governor Bligh to Captain Sturt, Government House, Sydney, dated 10 December 1806
Item 3. Return of vessels entered inwards of Port Jackson during 1808, dated 16 November 1808

Vol 7 Item 1: Letter from Lieutenant Oxley to Under-Secretary Peel, Queens Square, Westminster, dated 18 July 1811
Enclosure: Memorandum / memorial from Lieutenant Oxley to Under-Secretary Peel, undated
Item 2: Letter from Lieutenant Oxley to Under-Secretary Peel, Queens Square, Westminster, dated 6th December 1811

Handwritten note detailing bequests to be made from the estate of Henry Molesworth Oxley, the note is incomplete. The recipients include: Harriet Jane Oxley (nee Hassall), Annie Emma Brunton and Beatrice Marsden Oxley, Mary Molesworth Row, and Arthur Moreton Oxley.

Louisa Blaxland of William Street, Parramatta, writes to Mr [?] Oxley on behalf of her cousin Oxley Parker enquiring about a family photograph and giving details of their family connections.

Handwritten extracts relating to the burials and baptisms in the Parish of Westow, County of York relating to the Oxley family provided by the Reverend Robert Kitching.

Notes detailing the distribution of John and Emma Oxley's property to various family members, via the estate of their son John Norton Oxley. The recipients include: Frederick Norton Oxley, Mary Molesworth Row, Arthur Moreton Oxley, Eleanor Maud Bloomfield, Amy Isabel Oxley, Beatrice Marsden Oxley, Harriet J Oxley.

Letter written by the great grand child of Isabella Margaret Lever, who married Richard Nassau Molesworth. The author is also the child of Isabella Margaret Oxley nee Molesworth, and provides a handwritten copy of the entry of marriage between John Oxley and Isabella Molesworth from the register of St Martins in the Fields, Middlesex.

Author is possibly Elizabeth Isabella Georgiana Twells nee Dixon (1824-1906) or her sister Frances Anna Marina Emma Dixon (1827-1907).

Transcription of an article published in the 'Truth' and written by W.T. Cape which provides a biography of John Oxley and history of the Devonshire Street Cemetery, Sydney, where he was buried. In 1901, the cemetery was resumed to allow for the development of Central Railway. At the time John Oxley's grave was unrecognisable, his gravestone was later found in Waverley being used as a doorstop.

Annie Walker of 'Rhodes' Ryde, NSW writes on behalf of her cousin [John] Oxley Parker, to Arthur Morteon Oxley [the grandson of John Oxley] regarding the connection between the Oxley and Molesworth families.

Arthur Moreton Oxley, Commercial Bank, Wallerawang writes to Annie Walker of Ryde, NSW in answer to her enquiry about the Oxley Molesworth family connections.

Annie Walker of 'Rhodes' Ryde, NSW writes to Arthur Moreton Oxley [the grandson of John Oxley] regarding the connection between the Blaxland and the Parker families.

Hand copied letter, written by [John] Oxley Parker of London, to his cousin Annie Walker in Paramatta. He thanks her for forwarding a photograph of her grandfather John Blaxland and includes a detailed family tree and other genealogical notes.

Reverend Richard Twells, of Hinxton Vicarage, Great Chesterford writes to his cousin in Australia in reply to their enquiry of the Oxley and Molesworth families.

Extracted notes from the registers of Weston Church, Yorkshire, listing the baptisms and burials of the Oxley family, and which also include biographical notes. The last page includes notes relating to the Molesworth family.

Handwritten genealogical notes on a notecard bearing the letterhead of the Australasian Pioneers Club, Sydney.

The author provides a short list of members of the Molesworth and Oxley families

Handwritten notes on the history of Kirkham Priory, located in North Yorkshire.

Handwritten notes on the life of John Oxley, extracted from Arthur Cochrane's, College of Arms. This publication is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and much of the Commonwealth including Australia and New Zealand.

Handwritten notes on card relating to the Oxley, Molesworth and Marsden families.

Inventory of items from the Oxley residence at Kirkham, sold by public auction in July 1842, by auctioneer Charles Beck, realising £131 [one hundred and thirty-one pounds], ten shillings and one pence.

The sale included furniture, crockery, cookware, carpets, livestock and carriages, and was conducted prior to her departure for England that September with her sons John and Henry, for an extended stay.

Receipt for Derby Porcelian table wear purchased by Mrs Emma Oxley while staying in England.

The purchase, which amounted to £44 [pounds], included 72 table plates, 18 soup dishes, soup tureens, 24 desert plates, 12 breakfast cup and saucers, as well as tea cups, coffee cups, sugar, cream and milk jugs, egg cups, pie dishes and jelly cans, a total of 253 items, shipped in two packages.

Receipt in the name of Mrs Emma Oxley for the sum £350 in payment for the passage of two ladies & two gentlemen, aboard the 'Royal Consort', commanded by Captain Legg, for a voyage from London to Sydney in November 1844.

In November 1844 Emma Oxley, her two sons John and Henry, and a Miss Norton returned from an extended visit to England and France.

Handwritten statement of account for moneys advanced to the late Henry Molesworth Oxley (1826-1867), written by his brother John Norton Oxley.

The account list advances for 'Wingecarribee House', fencing for the estate, and provisions for cattle. It also includes the following statement on the reverse by John Norton Oxley "In addition to the money on the other side I gave my late brother 1/2 of all the land I was entitled to at Wingecarribee under our fathers Will."