Surveyor general and explorer. Joined the Navy in 1799 as a midshipman and sailed to Australia. Obtained a grant of 1,000 acres near Penrith and 1000 acres near Camden which he called Kirkham. On 28 May 1818 Oxley led an expedition from Bathurst. Widened his business interests after arriving in New South Wales in 1812. Bred merino sheep taking prizes at Agricultural Society which he helped to found in 1822. Director of Bank of New South Wales. Shareholder of Australian Agricultural Company. In September 1819 was appointed to the committee of the Female Orphan Institution, the Male Orphan Institution and the Public School Institution. In 1821 became a foundation member of the Philosophical Society, and that December was appointed as a Magistrate. Subscribed to both St James's Church and to Scots Church where he was one of the congregation which in 1824 petitioned for government assistance for its Minister. Was selected as one of the five members of the original Legislative Council in 1824, but was not reappointed when the Council was reconstituted the following year.