25 Facts About Joseph Wild

Joseph Wild held a number of titles throughout his life, namely a convict, explorer, shepherd, constable and conveyor.

Joseph Wild is most recognised for his contributions to the "discovery of Canberra," Sutton Forest, Jervis Bay, Bathurst, "Wildes Meadow," the discovery of Lake George and the Mongolo river.

Further, no information regarding his family and childhood could be collated other than the name of his brother George Joseph Wild who travelled to Australia as a convict.

Joseph Wild received 50 lashes and spent several years in gaol, where he worked in service of the government.

Joseph Wild was then sentenced to transportation to Australia, departing on the Ganges in the early part of 1797.

From 1797 to 1810, Joseph Wild travelled with Brown westwards towards the Blue Mountains to briefly explore the interior of Australia.

Joseph Wild did not truly begin his exploration of New South Wales until he crossed paths with Charles Throsby, a settler and explorer of Australia.

Joseph Wild was employed as a shepherd by Charles Throsby and lived on a property near Bong Bong in a hut.

Joseph Wild began to work for Throsby in 1814, and from this point Joseph Wild made several major discoveries.

Joseph Wild explored Sutton Forest, Jervis Bay and Bathurst alongside Throsby.

However, Joseph Wild chose to sell this plot of land to one of his travel companions not long after receiving ownership.

Joseph Wild is credited with the discovery of Lake George, originally Weereewa.

Joseph Wild came across this lake while leading an expedition at Throsby's discretion in 1820, and this discovery is probably his most notable.

Throsby noted in his recommendation that "though an illiterate man, [Joseph Wild] is very useful and intelligent in the woods".

In March 1821, Joseph Wild made his final expedition with Throsby in a search for the Murrumbidgee.

Joseph Wild is accredited with the discovery of Wildes Meadow.

Joseph Wild came across the site when searching for cattle that had become stray just next to his property at Bong Bong.

Although, Joseph Wild did not spend too much time in the region, still committed to exploring parts of New South Wales.

Joseph Wild was involved in the construction of the road to the land himself, Throsby and others had discovered.

Joseph Wild became the superintendent of the road's development in October 1819.

Furthermore, after the death of Charles Throsby, Joseph Wild was appointed as head stockman for Charles Throsby Jr.

Joseph Wild eventually married Elizabeth, having several children, the exact number unknown.

Joseph Wild's family settled in the County of Camden during the 1820s.

Joseph Wild was the first person to receive a grave in the churchyard at Bong Bong.

Joseph Wild was mentioned countless times in Backhouse and Walkers journals of 1836, where details of his value on expeditions was made clear.