Prior to arriving in New Zealand Mr. James O'Shea had been a Merchant at Algoa Bay, South Africa (e-mail from Lindsay McLean, Oct. 20, 2018).
Reverses of fortune overtook him (James O'Shea) like many others, in later years, and about seven years ago he left (New Zealand) with his family for Buenos Ayres to commence life in the Argentine (Star Newspaper (New Zealand) Oct. 12, 1896).
He (James O'Shea) was but for a very short time there (Argentina) when the revolution broke out. In common with other Englishmen he had lively experiences there during the military operations... Soon after the cessation of actual hostilities, Mr. O'Shea, not being familiar with or relishing these interruptions to business, carried on an extensive business as a wool merchant. On his return he resumed business with the Boers and natives - a very difficult matter in recent years with most Englishmen (due to the Boer wars) (Star Newspaper (New Zealand) Oct. 12, 1896).
Obituary:
The Post records the death of Mr. James O'Shea, and old and much-esteemed erstwhile Wellington resident, which took place at Port Elizabeth (South Africa) on August 25. The cause of death, which occurred very suddenly, in his seventy-sixth year, was heart disease. Over twenty years ago Mr. O'Shea was one of Wellington's leading merchants. Reverses of firtune overtook him (Star Newspaper ( New Zealand), Oct. 12, 1896.