RICHARD BARNES was born in New South Wales in 1826. He came to Maneroo in 1848, and for many years managed his father's cattle station near Buckley's Crossing. He selected land there and also opened a storekeeping business, which he conducted for about 14 years. He erected at Buckley's Crossing an hotel, the business of which he conducted for nearly twenty years. He also owned very large grazing areas, later managed by his son, Richard H. Barnes. He gave the land on which the Buckley's/Crossing Church was erected, and was instrumental in the establishment of a Post Office for the village.