Joshua Sholes was born in Singleton, on the 25 October 1848, where his father, Joseph Scholes, 1810-1884 had large pastoral interests. His mother was Sarah, nee Rylance 1812-1882.
Joshua was educated at the Maitland High School and as a young man went to the Glen Innes district, where on the 16 November 1881 he married Miss Sarah McInnes of Marouan Station, Glencoe. Sarah was the daughter of Finlay McInnes and Eliza, nee Sargeant.
Sarah died of Pneumonia at their home in Bourke Street, Glen Innes on the 4 June 1916.
One of the first properties Joshua acquired was Oak Park,at Glencoe, 23Km south of Glen Innes, and after a term there he purchased Avon Downs, in the Moree district, then Caranna in the Charleville district, and Bogglewallah, at Hughenden, Queensland. His enterprise and perseverance winning him, success in each venture. It was about late 1915 that Joshua took up residence in the town of Glen Innes, and invested, in town properties.
Well-known throughout two States as an intrepid horseman, Joshua Scholes, was a prominent figure on his horse in Glen Innes.
Joshua's younger brother was Metropolitan district court Judge Edward Scholes 1858-1933