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Irish political prisoner, surveyor, explorer and settler.
Arrived on the Friendship on 16 February 1800. In April 1800 he was assigned to Charles Grimes, Acting Surveyor General. He accompanied Grimes (and Barrallier) on an exploration of the Hunter River in 1801, and to Port
Phillip and King Island in 1802-1803. From 1803 to 1820 Meehan surveyed every farm measured in N.S.W. and travelled extensively throughout Van Diemen's Land. He was Acting Surveyor until the arrival of John Oxley as Surveyor-General in 1812, and he served as Deputy Surveyor General from 1812 until his resignation in 1821.
Meehan accompanied Macquarie on a number of his 'tours of inspection' and earned the respect and approbation of the governor for his efforts and commitment to his duties. He died at 'Macquarie Fields' on 21 April 1826, aged 52.
References:
Australian Dictionary of Biography 1788-1850 Vol.2 pp.219-220; also available online
DAWSON, Tony. James Meehan: a most excellent surveyor.Sydney: Crossing Press, 2004.
O'DONNELL, Ruth and REECE, Bob. "'A Valuable Man': James Meehan, United Irishman." in Ireland and Australia, 1798-1998: studies in culture, identity and migration. (eds.) Philip Bull et al. Sydney: Crossing Press, 2000 pp.48-63.
TARDIF, Phillip. James Bowen's Hobart: the beginning of European settlement in Tasmania. Hobart: Tasmanian Historical Research Association, 2003 pp.76-85; 105-113 and 184-187.
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