History of our Dunne Family
Two of my Irish ancestors were William Dunne from Dublin
and his wife Annie Theresa Dunne (Murphy) from Monaghan.
The portraits I am very fortunate to have were photographed from the framed originals which are in the keeping of Peter Towns of Tasmania.
They show a fine looking couple, he with thick curly hair and a long thinnish face and her with a straightforward and honest looking demeanour.
Origins in Ireland
I believe William Dunne was born in Dublin in September 1833.
His parents were a merchant called Patrick Dunne and his wife Bridget (nee Woolougher)
William emigrated to Victoria when he was 19 years old, circa 1852 and reasonably soon after that, met his future wife Annie Teresa Murphy.
Annie was the daughter of John Murphy a farmer from County Monaghan and his wife Catherine (nee Crombie). She was born around 1836 in County Monaghan but no particular place was mentioned.
Annie arrived in Australia around 5 years of age and according to the details provided on her death certificate had lived in the Colony of Victoria for 43 years and in Tasmania for 10 years! When did she live in Tasmania? Was it after William died in 1889 and she came to live with her daughter Emily Towns (wife of Tom)? We know Emily moved to Tasmania sometime between 1885 and 1890.
Another possibility is that Anne came to Tasmania first with one or both of her parents, perhaps they were convicts!
William Dunne a 22 year old labourer living in Nunawading married Anne Murphy an 18 year old servant also living in Nunawading at St Francis RC Church in Melbourne on 21st May 1855. Their witnesses were John and Mary O’Brien.
Their first child (they had 13) Emily Mary Dunne was born on January 4th 1856 at Nunawading. Emily is pictured on the header of my webpage with her daughters Irene (Elsie) and Annie.
William's body was found in the bush near Gembrook, Victoria on 24th November 1889. An inquest into his death was held at the Gembrook Hotel two days later. Click on the link at right to read a transcription of the inquest.
He was buried in the St Kilda Cemetery, Melbourne, Victoria on 27th November 1889, 7 months after he went missing. Annie Dunne is also buried there (7th July 1896) she died on the 4th July 1896 in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.