His parents were Richard James Cottell (later the mayor of the Town of Roma) and his wife Catherine Naire (née Cameron).

They had a son, Richard Barry Cottell, on 11 July 1890 but his wife died soon after 8 August 1890 aged 26 years old.

They had three children:[1] Richard Cottell was the councillor for the South Ward of the Town of Toowong from 6 January 1904 to his death on 30 August 1911.

[1] On 5 February 1908, Richard Cottell was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly in the electoral district of Toowong.

[5] Richard Cottell died on 30 August 1911 at his residence in Curlew Street, Toowong, from angina pectoris aged 46 years old.