John Norton Oxley

John Norton Oxley (23 March 1824 – 24 March 1891) was an Australian farmer and politician. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for one term between 1856 and 1857.^[1]

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.^[1] Together with his brother and fellow parliamentarian, Henry Oxley,^[2] he received a government grant of 5,000 acres in the Camden area.^[1]

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.^[3] His parliamentary performance was uninspiring and he did not hold office. He was defeated at the next election in 1858.^[4] One further attempt to re-enter parliament in 1859 for the district of Narellan was also unsuccessful.^[5]

Oxley married Ann Lydia (Platt) at Morpeth on 26 May 1851,^[6] they had one child before she died at Morpeth NSW 9 September 1852,.^[7] He married Harriet Jane (Hassall) at Narellan on 15 February 1854 and had five daughters and three sons.^[1]