John Owston late of Kippax in the North Riding, labourer, committed the 26th February 1790 charged upon the oath of Peter Harwood of East Ayton in the said Riding, cordwainer, with breaking and entering into the shop of the said Peter Harwood and feloniously stealing, taking and carrying away from and out ofthe same shop the following goods, to writ, seven pairs of mens leather shoes, and 5 pairs of womens leather shoes, the property ofthe said Peter Harwood, also one pair of boots the property of one Edward Glaws, and also one pair of boots and a leather apron the property of William Noddie.

This information was taken from the Calendar of Prisoners in York Castle, copies of which are in York City Library and in York Minster Library.

Please note that this is the only example that I have found of an Owston being sent to Australia and he may in no way be connected to any member of the Surname who lives there presently.