Randall was born in Stithians, in Cornwall, England, on 26 September 1842, of parents Richard Knuckey and Persis Reed.

Charlotte Waters, just north of the South Australian border in the Northern Territory, was surveyed in 1871 by Gilbert McMinn and Knuckey.

[3] After the line had been completed on 22 August 1872 and the first messages had been exchanged, Knuckey accompanied Todd on the return journey from Central Mount Stuart to Adelaide, where they were given an enthusiastic reception.

[2] Popularly known as "Dick" Knuckey, he was recognised as one of the best bushmen in the country; his name was a "household word" at the time.

[2] He was responsible for giving English names to both Charlotte Waters, Northern Territory[5] and Dalhousie Springs.