John Norton Oxley


John Norton Oxley was an Australian farmer and politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for one term between 1856 and 1857.

Early life

Oxley was the eldest son of the noted explorer and colonial surveyor-general, John Oxley. He was educated at The King's School, Parramatta and undertook a grand tour of Europe between 1842 and 1845. On his return to Australia he farmed his father's property "Kirkham Estate" initially growing lucerne but later converting to cereal crops. Together with his brother and fellow parliamentarian, Henry Oxley, he received a government grant of 5,000 acres in the Camden area.

Colonial Parliament

In 1856 Oxley was elected unopposed as one of the two members for Western Division of Camden in the first New South Wales Legislative Assembly under responsible government. His parliamentary performance was uninspiring and he did not hold office. He was defeated at the next election in 1858. One further attempt to re-enter parliament in 1859 for the district of Narellan was also unsuccessful.

Spouse

Oxley married Ann Lydia at Morpeth on 26 May 1851, they had one child before she died at Morpeth NSW 9 September 1852,. He married Harriet Jane at Narellan on 15 February 1854 and had five daughters and three sons.