Richard originally came to the Colony with Thomas Peel. After the disastrous settlement scheme failed he moved to Guildford. Richard was employed as manager for Captain FC Irwin and WH Mackie at 'Henley Park' until 1837. In the mid 1830's Lionel Samson's property 'Clearwells' 'E' was divided and half transferred to Richard Edwards' 'E1' (2348 acres). In the 1837 census Richard Edwards' was one of two properties in the Swan Districts to have sheep. On his property of 60 acres - he had 200 sheep. In 1838 Lieutenant H. Bull, who was a Justice of the Peace, engaged Richard, who was at 'Henley Park' to build him a two storey house on his property. His house when completed was said to be one of the finest in the colony, rivalled only in size and grandeur by the two-storeyed house of Capt. Irwin and WH Mackie, which was then also in the process of construction by Richard. Richard had been a master brick maker in England, and he burnt bricks for both houses from clay found locally. Also in 1838 on one acre of land donated by Irwin and Mackie he built the 'All Saints Church' in Upper Swan with his band of volunteers, one of which was John Foss Tonkin who did most of the timber work. The foundation stone was laid on 31 October 1839 and the opening service was held on the 10 January 1841. It was rectangular design and has slight gothic influences in the form of pointed windows and the bell turret. It is still standing. In 1841 one of his sons was mentioned fighting a fire on Meare's property. In 1848 another of his sons was hurt in an explosion at the WA Mining Co. In 1850 a devastating bush fire reached Captain Irwin's estate of 'Henley Park' and destroyed all the outer buildings, most of the crops and the whole of the farm machinery. Leaving only the two-storeyed homestead still standing. The same fire burned down the house at the adjoining property of Richard Edwards. Edwards himself was seriously ill at that time and had to be carried from the burning house on his bed. It seemed as fate would have it, Richard, who had devoted most of his life to W.A. to improving his own and Irwin's properties, had been forced to witness the whole of his achievements go up in flames. Richard died on 19 March 1850 aged 75 years and 11 months. Elizabeth died on 26 April 1866 aged 84 years. Both are buried at 'All Saints Church' at Upper Swan. The inscription on the headstone of Richard Edwards and Elizabeth (nee Powell) reads: 'Here lies the remains of Richard Edwards who departed this life aged 75 years 11 months. March 19th AD 1850 - also - Elizabeth Edwards who departed this life 26th April 1866 in the 84th year of her age. This world is vain and full of pain, with cares and troubles sore; But they are blest who are at Rest, With Christ for ever more; Now by God, seek thy soul salvation; Seek the Lord while time you have'. His sons Joshua, Matthew and Samuel with their wives were noted pioneers of the Gin Gin area. It should also be noted that the Edwards' oldest son Josiah and daughter Mary remained in England when the family came out to the Swan River Colony.