Blog Post #1 - The Stonestreet Brothers: From Convicts to Colonists
St Thomas a Becket Church and the Pyramid Folly, Brightling, Sussex. Photo from Brightling Community.
In 1824, three brothers stepped off the convict ship Mangles and into a strange, hot land they never expected to call home.
Moses, William, and Levi Stonestreet were young men from Sussex, England — sentenced and transported for crimes they’d spend the rest of their lives atoning for. But what followed wasn’t just hardship. It was legacy.
These brothers didn’t just serve their time. They carved farms out of stubborn earth, married, raised children, and helped shape the central west of New South Wales. Today, 200 years later, the Stonestreet name runs strong through Blayney, Kings Plains, Greghamstown, and beyond.
🚢 From Sussex to Sydney Cove
They arrived in chains. But like many convicts of the time, they had a skillset the young colony needed — farming, carpentry, strength, grit.
The Mangles docked in Sydney in 1824. From there, the brothers were assigned to James Hassall at Bathurst. Eventually, each gained freedom and land. They didn’t go back to England. They made a new future here — for themselves and for hundreds of descendants.
🧬 The Three Brothers
Moses Stonestreet (1786–1842)
The eldest brother. He settled early and lived a quieter life. His descendants are fewer in number but still connected to the wider family line. He had a daughter named Harriett, born in 1812, Heathfield, Sussex, with Betty Sweatman.William Stonestreet (1795–1881)
Lived a long life. His first wife, Mary Harmer, remained in Sussex. William later married Catherine Ryan who had two children from a previous marriage.Levi William Stonestreet (1799–1874)
Perhaps the best documented, Levi married Ann West and established a large family — many of whom remained in the Kings Plains and Blayney district. His line includes farmers, soldiers, bakers, horse breeders, school teachers, and storytellers.
🪦 200 Years On
In 2024, we marked 200 years since the brothers arrived. What began with three men in shackles has grown into a proud, sprawling family tree rooted in Australia’s convict past — and full of laughter, resilience, and connection.
This blog series — Stonestreet Stories — will share tales from the paddocks, kitchens, schoolyards, and shearing sheds of this family. Some stories are hilarious. Some are heartbreaking. All of them are worth remembering.
💬 Know which brother you're descended from? Contact us — we’d love to feature family trees and side-branches in future posts.
🛍️Shop the Stonestreet Collection
📚 Next up: Clifton Convict Quarters – The First Home of the Stonestreet Brothers
For gatherings with family. For toasts to remember.
The Loft Owl Duos, part of the Everyday Collection designed by Kin & Keepsakes, is inspired by the carved owl window perched above the bed in Clifton Estate’s historic convict quarters. These wine charms are a quiet tribute to wisdom, legacy, and gathering together. Whether you’re hosting under festoon lights or simply toasting the everyday, these charms carry the heart of the Stonestreet story, handcrafted, enduring, and connection to place.
Available in four heritage inspired styles:
Colonial Red (red and silver) - Honours the red brick walls of the cottage, the earliest home in Locksley, and the start of the Stonestreet brothers life in the colony.
Feather and Sky (brown and soft pale blue) - A gentle pairing echoing the plumage of the carved owl and the cool hush of morning light in the loft.
Riverbank Blue (navy and cream) - Inspired by the deep blues and softened earth tones along the banks of Fish River, where the Stonestreet brothers carved out their early life working the land.
Springtime (teal and silver) - A nod to the green stillness of Locksley where the convict brothers lived.
Product Features
Includes two silver tone aluminum alloy rings measuring 25mm, each fitted with a discreet small safety stopper to keep charms and beads securely in place.
Each duo contains two matching finely detailed alloy owl charm, a symbol of the watchful guardian that looked over the Stonestreet’s brothers. Paired with natural wood beads in warm, heritage tones, they bring a rustic elegance to your table.
Choose from four inspired heritage styles either Colonial Red, Feather and Sky, Riverbank Blue or Springtime, or purchase more to mix and match to create your own combinations.
Jewellery cleaning cloth included for care and maintenance.
Presented in a gifting sleeve.
Handmade by Kin & Keepsakes.
Care Instructions
Avoid exposure to make-up, moisture, harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
Gently wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after use.
Store safely when not in use to prevent damage and discolouration.
Fulfilment & Shipping
This product is carefully packed and shipped by Kin & Keepsakes from Brisbane, Australia. We use Australia Post for deliveries, and every parcel includes tracking for peace of mind. Express Post is available at checkout for faster delivery. When needed, we may use alternative couriers to maintain dependable delivery timeframes.