Life Story

​​

Standing here, we remember Ann Boyle, a young Irish woman who began her journey with courage and hope. At just twenty-two years of age, in 1863, Ann left County Cavan and sailed from Liverpool aboard the emigrant ship Ivanhoe, bound for a new life in Australia. Like so many others, she arrived with little more than determination, taking up work as a general servant in Melbourne. Her early days were uncertain, and while her time with the Summon family was brief, it marked the beginning of her life in a new land.

 

By 1865, Ann had moved to Queenscliff, where she married Edward Riches at Christ Church, Geelong. Edward, a young labourer from Norfolk, England, shared with Ann the challenges of building a life from modest beginnings. They first settled at Ondit, where three children were born. Their happiness, however, was touched by sorrow with the loss of their infant daughter, Sara.

 

Around 1870, the family made their home in the Barongarook–Irrewillipe district, where four more children were born. Again, tragedy visited them when their daughter Alecia died at just six years old. Despite these hardships, Ann’s life was one of resilience and quiet contribution.

 

In 1891, she added her name to the growing movement for women’s rights, signing the petition for women’s suffrage in Victoria. Though she did not live to see that cause succeed, her voice was part of the change that followed.In 1891, she added her name to the growing movement for women’s rights, signing the petition for women’s suffrage in Victoria. Though she did not live to see that cause succeed, her voice was part of the change that followed.

 

After a long illness, Ann died here in 1899, aged fifty-seven. Five of her seven children survived her. This headstone, placed by her husband Edward, stands as a lasting tribute to a life shaped by endurance, loss, and hope.

 

Research by Merrill O’Donnell
Story by Lynette Genua 
Narrated by Deb Baillie
 
© 2026 Colac & District Family History Group Inc. 
All rights reserved. 

​

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. 

 

For more information, please contact the Colac & District Family History Group Inc.