Francis Besley was a skilled coach painter whose work helped support the growing township of Colac during its early years. In 1860 he was employed to paint the regulations board for the Colac and Irrewarra Cemeteries, linking his story forever with this place.
Born in Berkshire, England, Francis came from a family connected with the coach building trade. Finding steady work difficult, he travelled from his home district, seeking employment. Eventually he and his wife Isabella and sons Thomas and Walter joined him in a new life in Australia aboard the Athenian, a ship supported by Caroline Chisholm’s migration program.
By 1857 the family had settled in Colac, building a home in Murray Street East beside Donald Dunoon’s saddlery. There Francis established a coach painting and trimming business, while the family became part of the life of the developing township.
Francis was also an early supporter of St John’s Anglican Church. At a time when services were still being held in the Temperance Hall in Church Street, he worked alongside others to strengthen the Anglican community and help secure permanent clergy for Colac.
After around twenty years contributing to the district, Francis died in 1877 aged seventy. Before his death he had passed his trade skills on to his eldest son Thomas.
He is buried here beside Thomas and Walter, who both died only five years later within a week of each other. After losing her husband and both sons, Isabella returned alone to Berkshire, England, where she died a few years later.

Research by Robyn Currie
Story by Robyn Currie

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