A to Z of RFC People
Adams
1885, 1 gm, 0 gls
Only game was RFC's first match v Williamstown
First name unknown
John Asher
b: 1858 North Melbourne, d: 1909.
Was present at formation of RFC.
RFC’s first assistant secretary 1885,
vice president 1899 – 1908.
Part of Asher & Co. printing factory (with brother Alexander) at 285 Lennox Street, that produced newspapers Richmond Guardian and Table Talk. He was publisher while brother was proprietor.
Hon. secretary of Richmond District Cricket Association, the Alma Club, and the Richmond City Cricket Club for 20 years.
Barclay
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
Listed as being a 'junior'
Walter Leslie "Dolly" Batters
b: 1866 Williamstown, d: 1913
1885, 1 gm, 0 gls
Only game was first ever match v Williamstown
From South Yarra. Carlton FC 1886-94
Occupation: Fruiterer.
Died after the horse and cart he was driving, collided with an ice wagon on Aikman Street, just near Princess Bridge, in what is now Southgate Avenue (Southbank precinct). A plank of wood had fallen off a building which frightened the horse which then bolted into the ice wagon. His son Leslie and another lad, Arthur Dawson, were passengers. Batters who was an asthma suffered and had heart troubles for 19 years died from the shock and his debilitating body.
Joseph Bosisto
b: 1824 Leeds, d: 1898
RFC Patron 1885.
Was present at formation of RFC.
Chemist noted for his “Bosisto” eucalyptus oil. Represented Richmond in Legislative Assembly.
Bowen
The poorly scanned Richmond Guardian article seems to list Bowen in the practice match 1885 squad v Cremorne.
First name unknown
Boyd
Initial S or W.
1885, 4 gms, 0 gls
Blair
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
First name unknown. May be the Blair who played for Cremorne 1885
Brand/Brandt
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
First name unknown. From Hotham FC 1882-84, or is he the Richmond Union player from 1884
Henry “Harry” Brock
b: 1854 Ringwood, d: 1892
Honorary Secretary RCC 1885.
Those wishing to become members of the RFC in 1885 were to advise him (or James Charles).
His address at the time was Metropolitan Chambers, 30 Collins Street East where he “has trust money to lend, in large and small sums, town and country securities, at current rates of interests.” (RG)
Formerly an “accountant for Australian deposit and Mortgage Bank.”
Later was part of Brock Bros. accountant and estate agents.
Died in Ely, England of suicide, gunshot to the head, due to “state of temporary insanity” over (unfounded) financial difficulties. His suicide note read, “I walked from place to place, scarce knowing where, and living anywhere. I feel to-night, July 18, that I must commit the fatal deed at the bidding of the evil spirit always at my elbow.” Buried in Melbourne Cemetery.
John Patrick Byrne
b: 1852, d: 1900
Proprietor of the Royal Hotel (Dec 12 1883 to Dec 9 1885), which hosted the first public meeting of the Richmond Football Club on Feb 20 1885.
Known as Byrne’s Royal Hotel during that time. Died at Spread Eagle Hotel which was his residence at the time.
James Leo Carroll
b: 1899 Norwood, d:
son of William (1886 Snrs)
Played with Balmain FC and Prahran FC before Richmond.
William Carroll
1886 player. 5 gms. 1 gl.
Was named in squad for first non-premiership match 1885 v Cremorne.
Played Melbourne 1886, Hotham 1887, Norwood 1893-98.
His son James Leo played in RFC Reserves first match in 1919.
James Charles
b: 1851 Newcastle on Tyne, Eng, d: 1939
Regarded as founder of the club. Was present at formation. RFC’s first secretary 1885.
Worked at Glasgow Book Warehouse, 15 Collins Street West, while secretary of RFC.
Lived in Richmond for over 45 years before moving to East Malvern with daughter after the death of his wife.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article265745616
Known to have attended the following Annual General Meetings – 1885-88,96-97, 08, 11, 14,
First inductee into the Club Hall of Fame in 2002.
James Cleghorn
b: 1826, d: 1886
As manager of Wholesale Clothing Company of London, 131 Swan St, made club's first uniforms in 1885.
One of his eight sons, Arthur, played in RFC 1905 VFA premiership.
Coles
1885, 1 gm, 0 gls
Named in squad for first non-premiership match v Cremorne in 1885.
May be the Coles who played for Cremorne in that game, as he played with them in 1884 season.
Only RFC game is Rd 17 v Hotham
It's possible he is the 1888-93 Coles as well.
Joseph Alfred Coles
b: 1864 Richmond, d:
1888-93, 45 gms, 9 gls
From Cremorne.
His brother Tom was "a prominent football club supporter".
John “Jack” Conlon
1885 backman. 15 gms, 6 gls
From Cremorne.
Played in first match vs Williamstown.
Constable
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885 but did not play.
May be the captain of Richmond Union in 1884 , or Star of Richmond player.
Is he, or related to James Constable who played RFC 1889.
Lawrence Cremean
b: 1847 Wexford, Ireland, d: 1926
Timber merchant who made the goal posts for free for the club in 1885 with his brother Timothy.
Lawrence’s grandson, also named Lawrence, played RFC Reserves 1928
Lawrence Stephens Cremean
b: 1905 Richmond, d: 1969
RFC Reserves 1928
His grandfather Lawrence, a Timber merchant, made the goal posts for free for the club in 1885.
Timothy Cremean
b: 1833 Wexford, Ireland, d: 1887
Timber merchant who made the goal posts for free for the club in 1885 with his brother Lawrence.
Francis "Frank" Joseph Crohan
b: 1854 Connecticut, d: 1921 Richmond.
1885, 5 gms, 0 gls
Played in first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown.
Assistant Secretary 1886.
Committee 1887-88,90
Coached Richmond schoolboys v Geelong in 1912 curtain raiser match.
Arrived in Australia when he was 1 yr old.
Was teacher at Cremorne St School, Central State School, and "the first state school in Richmond in Gough St."
Treasurer of Hibernian Society. Probation officer at Richmond Court.
From Geelong Juniors / Geelong (1874-77) / Melbourne (1878-1880).
Married twice, had 9 children.
Grandfather of Kevin Crohan (Snrs 1942) and Joe Crohan who was on RFC list in 1940/41.
A Davis
Committeeman at formation of RFC 1885.
This article from 1933 suggests he was a player as well, though it also lits committeeman in that list. I wonder if that's A Joseph "Joe" Davis 1889, 91-93.
Perhaps they are the same person.
Duncan
Named as emergency for Rd 5 v Fitzroy 1885, but did not play.
C Duffield
1885, 1 gm 0 gls
After Richmond played with East Ballarat, and Ballarat Imperials that same season.
Dave Elder
b: 1865 Melbourne, d: 1954 Deepdene
1885-87 player, 19gms, 5gls
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, but not the first premiership match the following week.
Goal umpired Ess v Geel in the first ever VFL round in 1897, and Melb v Fitz Rd 3.
Previously played Cremorne 1884.
Umpired 12 cricket matches between Australia and England including the Alan Kippax incident in 1928.
Pictured umpiring 1923 Prahran v Nth cricket match. Barlow Carkeek (former RFC player) is in photographed in crowd watching.
Had a column in The Herald called 'How's That?' where he answered reader's cricketing questions. (photo in the article)
Occupation brassworker.
Gallie
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885, and Rd 1, but did not play in either.
Not an uncommon surname in BDM.
John "Jack" Thompson Goodwin
b: 1861 Richmond, d: 4 Feb 1933
1885/7 player, 4gms, 0gls.
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885 but did not play.
I believe he is the Goode that Pennings lists for 1885, 1-4gms.
Watched a May 1911 match.
Is named on the 1911 Reform Party ticket for the committee.
1912 was one of three people in charge of the 60 scholars of the Richmond State Schools that travelled to Geelong to play their counterparts in a match, and in 1920 travelled with the Reserves team down to Geelong. May have also attended the club's 1912 trip to Tasmania though I can't see him in the team/official photo.
Was at the 1917 AGM.
1922 article says "one of the pioneer players in the Richmond Football Team. His football career, however, goes further back than the formation of the Richmond club..." (RG)
1923 article says he was "a prominent supporter of the Richmond Football Club (who) first saw the light of day in Yarra Street where his father resided in 1856" (RG 20/6/1923), and 1932 article says "he was one of the earliest supporters" of the club. (RG 19/8/1932)
Previously played with Hotham FC. President of the Richmond Combined Schools Football team.
Lived in Yarra Cottage, Coppin Street, Richmond. Was a councillor in Richmond from 1927 until his death, a "pioneer of the Richmond ALP", and "the most fearless and outspoken of all local Laborites" , and President of the Richmond branch of the Labor party in 1919.
Attended "old friend" Frank Tudor's funeral in 1922. Later he was an officer for the Metropolitan Board of Works, and had been a member of the Richmond Volunteer Fire Brigade.
Tom Graham
1885-86,90-91 player, 55 gms, 8 gls.
Was present at formation of RFC as committeeman. First vice-capt. Ruckman.
Sth Melb 1883-84, Pt Melb 1887
Spent 3 months in prison for an assault in 1893 where the victim, James Marshall (cordial maker), later died. Inquest determined it was due to typhoid fever and not the injuries sustained.
Robert “Bob” Greig
b: 1851 Scotland, d: 1897, Mt Magnet (WA).
Gave the toast on behalf of the RFC at the post-game event v Geelong 1885 at the Victoria Hotel.
1934 article says Greig was member of Charles’ committee in 1885.
Richmond delegate to Vic Cricket Assn. Manager of Victorian XI. President of Vic Junior FA in 1883.
Manager of Messrs Cullis, Hill and Co. in Melbourne (a furniture warehouse).
Storekeeper in Murchison last two years of his life.
J Hall
Committeeman at formation of RFC 1885.
E. Hart
Umpired Richmond’s first ever match for premiership points v Williamstown in 1885.
Alfred Hill
b: 1861, Richmond, d: 1957
1885-90,96, 52 gms, 27 gls
Committee 1887-90, 96-97
Played in the first ever match vs Williamstown.
Prior to his death aged 95 he was the club's oldest living former player, and last survivor from the first ever match.
In 1951 the club received a Christmas card from him, at then age 90.
George John Hodges
b: 1843, d: 1899
Chaired the Feb 20 1885 formation meeting.
Came to Australia with wife Elizabeth in 1863.
A member of the RCC committee, also partially umpired Australia v England Test match Jan 1885.
His daughter Dinah later married Edmund Cotter, RFC VP and Labor member for Richmond, who officially laid foundation stone of Punt Road Grandstand in 1914.
J Hood
Goal umpired Richmond’s first ever match v Williamstown 1885.
George Howarth
b: 1864 Geelong, d:1943
1885-88 player. 18gms, 1 gl
Went to East Richmond FC 1889.
One of the oldest living players at time of his death. (see Alf Hill).
“actively associated with the late Mr Jim Charles, first secretary of the Tigers, in the effort to make Richmond a senior team.” (SG 21/8/1943)
H Jones
Committeeman at formation of RFC 1885.
John Augustus Bernard Koch
b: 1845 Germany, d: 1928
VP 1887-1890.
Architect who designed Temperance Hall, 316 Swan St Richmond where players and supporters met for March 19 1885 meeting. Also designed Spread Eagle Hotel. Was Richmond Mayor in 1883.
James Francis Lancashire
b: 1839 Jersey, British Islands, d: 1915.
VP 1885. Former Richmond mayor.
Donated a guinea to the club in March 1885. Addressed team prior to first non-premiership match v Cremorne April 25 1885.
Henry “Harry” Layton
b: 1864 Richmond, d: 1915
1885-86, 91 player. 19gms, 4gls
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
Pt Melb 1887. Had 10 children. 2 died in WW1.
Lockhart
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
From South Yarra team.
William Johnston MacLachlan
b: 1850 Newcastle under Lyme, d: 1902
VP 1885. Donated one guinea to club in March 1885.
With George Burgess formed McLachlan Bros – Hairdressers and Tobacconists, 194 Swan Street. “The largest stock of tobacco, cigars and tobacconists’ fancy goods in the city.”
Noted as Scotch-American, they previously worked in Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia.
Clovis d’Origny Mainon
b: 1854 Prahran, d: 1935.
Was present at formation of RFC.
RFC Treasurer 1885-86.
Played cricket for Richmond and was committeeman.
Later played cricket for Western Province in South Africa, and served in Boer War.
Died in Cape Town, South Africa.
Francis Ernest Mainon
b: 1881 Richmond, d:1964
Nephew of Clovis.
Manager of the Hoyts Cinema, Richmond in 1930. The cinema screened highlights of Rd 2 Richmond v Carlton.
Previously managed the Rialto theatre in Kew, and Palace, Glen and Our Theatre theatres in Glenferrie
William Malone
b: 1851 Clare County, Ireland, d: 1925
RFC VP 1887-1909, 1912-14.
Came to the Richmond 1881 with wife after purchasing the Corner Hotel. Built the Canterbury Club Hotel (now known as Canterbury Mansions) in 1889 which the family owned into the 1920s.
“…with his ever familiar bottle of sherry for “the bhoys” at half time” (16/1/24 Australasian)
"Old timers will remember Billy Malone and his black bag at the football matches, said bag contained creature comforts." (31/1/25 Australasian)
Matthews
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
Listed as being a 'junior'
There is a Matthews playing for RCC in 1885.
G Mitchell
1885 player. 1 game
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne “in his usual capital form”, and then Rd 12 vs Essendon.
Kingston “King” John Mitchell
b: 1851 Adelaide, d: 1939
Was present at formation of RFC.
RFC Committee 1885.
Umpired RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne April 25 1885.
Bootmaker for Thomson’s Factory in Rokeby Street.
James Mullally
1885-86 player, 8 gms, 1 gl.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
Richard "Dick" Owen
1885-87, 16 gms, 1 gl
Previously associated with Vaucluse club.
Still alive as of 1912.
J.T.Plummer
Goal umpired Richmond’s first ever match v Williamstown 1885.
(Possibly John Thomas Plummer b: 1863 Collingwood)
J “Pik” Paddy Purcell
1885-86 player.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885
John Rickards
b: 1860, d: 1886
Umpired Rd 4 1885 v Melbourne.
Played with Carlton and Melbourne.
At his death he was 26 years old.
Rigg
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
First name unknown. From Hotham FC 1882-84.
William Rushton
b: 1858 Richmond, d: 1929
1885 player. 8 gms, 1 gls.
From Richmond Standard.
His father James was "one of the oldest of Richmond's citizens" upon his death in 1897.
Alfred Samuel Searle
b: 1866, Richmond, d: 1916
1885-90,93 backman, 62 gms, 9gls
From Stanley FC, and Scotch College.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885
Captained Richmond 1 game in 1899
Joseph Paterson Shand
b: 1864 Richmond, d: 17 April 1935 Wellington.
1885, 5 gms, 0 gls
Listed as emergency for RFC's first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
From Juniors.
His nephew Jimmy (RFC Snrs 1916-1919 + Umpire 1930) grand nephew William "Bill" James (RFC Reserves 1942-43) and great grand nephew Wayne (Snrs 1982-84) played.
Joseph Shaw
b: 1859 Melbourne, d: 1927
Umpired Richmond’s second ever match (and first at RCG) v Uni 1885.
Also umpired the Sept 1924 veterans match for charity which began when Henry Harrison bounced the ball.
His death notice said he was “veteran umpire”
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3881982
Patrick Baird Smart
VP 1888-1906
b 1853 Fife, Scotland, d:1935
T Robert "Bob" Smart
1885, 1 gm 0 gls
Committee 1888-92
Only game with RFC was as emergency for their first ever match v Williamstown.
Pennings has him as R. Smart .
But looking at the 1885 photograph item presented to James Charles it lists him as T Smart with photo.
He is listed as junior in the squad http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article229815937
Interestingly this article say Bob Smart was a member of the committee at this time. So is it T "Bob" Smart ?
RCC did have Peter R Smart around 1885 time as a committeeman and a captain.
Charles Smith
b: 1833 Shropshire, England, d: 1903.
Was present at formation of RFC.
RFC Patron 1885.
Partner with JC Winn in “Smith, Winn & Fielding” – Malt, Hop, and General Merchants. Their brewery is where Nylex silos are now.
Former Richmond Mayor 1873-75, Melbourne Mayor 1883-84 and Legislative Assembly member.
George Smith
b: 1854, on a ship, d: 1905.
1885-88,1890 player. 63 gms, 2 gls.
Captain 1885-86,88.
A cricket bat maker, factory at 17 Stewart St, Richmond. “The Willow King.” Also played for Carlton 1877-1885 where “his dashes from the back line…are yet remembered and spoken of by old followers of the game” (RG 3/6/1905)
“Always rather outspoken, still he was a rough diamond and many will miss his face.” (RG 3/6/1905). Died of cancer.
“one of the boys born on the ship on its way to Melbourne was my brother, Geordie Smith” (17/9/1921 RG)
His son Dave played for Ess (1903-11) and Richmond (1914), and two Test cricket matches for Australia.
His other son Jack played for Richmond (1905-06) incl 1905 flag.
His great grandson Robert Grattidge played U19s for Richmond in early 1960s.
Soutar
1885, 1 gm, 0gls
Only game was Richmond's first ever vs Williamstown 1885
I wonder if he is the Carlton 1884 Soutar/Souter
Starr
Named in squad for first non-premiership match in 1885. Never played senior game.
First name unknown. May be the Starr who played for Cremorne 1885.
Charles Stephens
1885-90 player.
Was present at formation of RFC as committeeman.
From Richmond Juniors. Played footy for Lilydale, cricket for Richmond City.
John "Jack" Bosco Stewart
b: 1861 Melbourne, d: 1940
1885-93,95 backman125 gms, 5 gls
Assistant Secretary 1895
Secretary 1896 - 1898
Committee 1886 - 1896, 1899, 1901 - 1904, 1906 - 1911
Played in first ever match vs Williamstown.
From Sandridge Start (Pt Melb Juniors), North Richmond, and Cremorne.
Playing weight in 1895 was 97.3kgs
Worked at Lewis and Whitty's, specialised in soaps, washing powders. Factory was at 52-54 Charles Street , Fitzroy.
In April 9 1901 announced his 'intention of presenting the club with all the resin and soap that they may require.'
His only son Alfred Frederick Lindsay "Len" Stewart, a handy cricketer. His brother was William Stewart (RFC 1887-93,97)
Christopher Syle
b: 1863 Richmond, d: 1934
1885-1891 player. 106 gms, 31 gls.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
A rate collector and valuer for City of Richmond, and later estate and insurance agent.
Formerly Stanley FC, Carlton FC, Vaucluse FC (President), Richmond City FC (President).
Pallbearer at George Smith’s funeral.
John “Jack” Taylor
Was present at formation of RFC.
1885-86 player, committeeman.
1896 trainer.
Sth Melb FC 1881-84, Pt Melb 1887-89
Watkins
1885 forward. 2 gms, 0 gls
First name unknown.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
William “Billy” Wells
b: 1855 Richmond, d: 1942
1885 player. 7 gms, 6 gls.
From South Melbourne.
His son Charlie (1912) and grandson Billy (1936-37) both played senior football for Richmond and were our first three generation family.
Joseph Alfred Wilmoth
b: 1845 England, d: 1907
Barrister and solicitor.
Chaired players and supporters meeting on March 19 1885.
VP of RCC, and had chaired their meetings back in 1870s
James “Old Jim” Wilson
b: 1828 Yorkshire, d: 1917
Geelong FC President 1878-1883, who hosted the RFC at the Victoria Hotel after their first ever match against Geelong in 1885.
The evening was spent singing songs and toasting health.
Wilson was a horse trainer who won the 1873 and 1876 Melbourne Cups.
John Charles Winn
b: 1834 – d: 1905
Was present at formation of RFC.
RFC’s first President in 1885 and 1886.
Spoke to the players after their first ever match v Williamstown, "complimenting them on the manly way in where they had played throughout the game" (RG)
Mayor of Richmond in 1884 - 1885, and a magistrate. Was partner in “Smith, Winn & Fielding” – Malt, Hop, and General Merchants. Their brewery is where Nylex silos are now.
Fred Wookey
b: 1862 Emerald Hill, d: 1929.
1885-87,89 defender, 44 gms, 1 gl.
From Richmond United FC and East Melb FC.
Played in RFC first non-premiership match v Cremorne, and first premiership match v Williamstown in 1885.
Yeoman and Co.
Photographic studio at 47 Chapel Street, Prahran run by John Yeoman (b: 1857 Dunolly, d: 1933)
It was here that the 1885 RFC team visited in October to get individual headshots to be mounted for James Charles’ framed item.
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