ALMOST FORGOTTEN
A Virtual Memorial Experience
Richard Darby
(1820-1886) buried unknown area
NAME
Richard Darby
DATE OF BIRTH
1820
CATEGORY
Almost Forgotten
DATE OF DEATH
1886
CEMETERY
Colac Cemetery
Life Story
As soon as Richard Darby arrived in Colac in 1849, he threw himself into the progress and improvement of the fledgling town. There was hardly a position or post that did not attract his interest, and he soon earned the respect of the townsfolk.
Richard was born in Stepney, London, in 1820, the second of nine children born to ropemaker John Darby and his wife Ann Allen. By 1848, he was working as a sawyer in Ely, Cambridgeshire, where he met Susan Aspland. They married on Christmas Day that year.
Within months, Richard and Susan left England, arriving in Geelong on 29 October 1849 under a private arrangement with Mr Lyons of Colac. Richard took up land at Irrewarra, where he farmed for many years. He played an active role in community development. When plans were raised to stock Lake Colac and local dams with fish, Richard helped initiate the effort and sourced the supply.
He also supported the extension of the railway from Geelong and was a founding member of the Colac District Road Board. His interests extended to sport, particularly the Colac Cricket Club, where he was a keen promoter.
Although Richard and Susan had no children of their own, they supported three of Susan’s nephews as they settled in the district. Later, he established a corn and hay store in Colac, though he suffered from persistent asthma. Eventually, he retired to East Colac, where he died on 26 August 1886.
Although his exact grave is unknown, Richard is remembered on Susan’s headstone, ensuring his contribution to Colac is not forgotten.
Research by Stephen Brooks
Story by Stephen Brooks
Narrated by James Baker
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Life stories have been researched and compiled by the Colac & District Family History Group Inc. and its independent contributors. This material must not be copied or reproduced without permission. AI tools have been used to assist.
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© Colac & District Family History Group Inc 2026
This profile is a potted biography prepared from more extensive research undertaken by the Colac & District Family History Group (CDFHG). For additional information, historical records, or further research relating to this individual, please contact the CDFHG team.