When I started looking for Dunnes in Melbourne, I was not aware of the existence of John Dunne. His "acceptance" into the family is not so much on the strength of his claim to be the son of Edmund Dunne and Margaret Tobin of Co. Tipperary, Ireland, but that he is certainly the father of "our" Herbert.
John Dunne was born in June 1853 in Co. Tipperary, Ireland to Margaret Tobin ( - ) and Edmund Dunne, Farmer ( - ). His death certificate in 1922 claims 45 years in Victoria giving 1876/7 as the probable date for his emigration. He seems to have made his career in the Police Force. [See Section DN-5-1 for family background.]
Margaret Cashen was born about 1854 in Co. Clare, Ireland to Eliza McInerny ( - ) and Patrick Cashen, Farmer ( - ).
1878 On Wednesday, February 27, John Dunne and Margaret Cashen were married at Ss. Peter & Paul, Emerald Hill. The marriage was registered No.532 in the District of Emerald Hill [now known as South Melbourne]. [VIC Ref 1878/551]
John was 24 years old, born in Tipperary, Ireland, a Constable, and gave his present and usual residence as Melbourne. His parents are recorded as Edmund Dunne, Farmer, and Margaret Tobin.
Margaret gave her age as 24, born in Co. Clare, Ireland, no occupation given, and gave her present and usual address as Emerald Hill. Her parents are recorded as Patrick Cashen, Farmer and Eliza McInerny.
The celebrant was M. Quinell, Catholic Clergyman, and the witnesses were Bernard Maguire and Maggie Dunn. [Our Maggie? I can't be sure from the handwriting but the other samples I have are 25-30 years later. (Maggie was godmother to Aunt Kate in Newinn in September 1879 but that could have been in absentia.)]
John and Margaret had the following children (that I know of) —
| CHILD | born in YEAR in PLACE, last sighting 1911. |
1879 Edmond Patrick Dunne was born. He died in 1952 aged 73 at Kew [VIC Ref 1952/14862] and was buried in St. Kilda Cemetery on December 19 as Edmund.
1881 John James Dunne was born [VIC Ref 1881/1054]. He died on Thursday, August 18, 1938 aged 58 at Richmond [VIC Ref 1938/7500] and was buried with his parents in St. Kilda Cemetery.
1882 Thomas William Dunne was born [VIC Ref 1882/14587]. He died on Tuesday, December 29, 1931 aged 48 and was buried with his parents in St. Kilda Cemetery.
1884 Joseph Augustus Dunne was born [VIC Ref 1884/18675].
1886 Elizabeth Margaret Dunne was born [VIC Ref 1886/4603)], died under her own name in 1964 aged 79 at Croydon [VIC Ref 1964/19048].
1889 Maria Agnes Dunne was born [VIC Ref. 1889/24016]. She died on Tuesday, November 4 1890 aged 14 months [VIC Ref. 1890/16787] and is commemorated on her parents headstone in St. Kilda Cemetery.
1891 Herbert Dunne was born on Monday, August 10, at 9 Smith Street, South Melbourne. His birth was registered No.14470 in the District of South Melbourne [VIC Ref 1891/25463] on September 11 by his father who gave his occupation as Police Constable. The Accoucheur was Dr. Carr and the midwife Mrs Menzies.
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| R.C. Compartment B, Grave 656 |
1908 On Saturday, August 1, Margaret Cashen died at St. Vincent's Hospital, City of Fitzroy, County of Bourke, aged 54, of (a) Duodent Ulcer (b) Perforation with Peritonitis after 3 days, certified by J. Maloney, M.B. who last saw her on the same day. Her death was registered No. 5545 in the District of South Fitzroy [VIC Ref 1908/9632] on the same day by John M. Rorke, Authorised Agent, 'Kia Ora', Rathdown Street, Carlton, Melbourne
Margaret's parents are recorded as Patrick Cashin, Farmer and Eliza Cashin, m.s. unknown, she was born in County Clare, Ireland and had been 35 years in Victoria. She married in South Melbourne at age 24 to John Dunne and had children Edmund (now aged 29), John (27), Thomas (26), Joseph (24), Elizabeth (22), Maria (deceased) and Herbert (16). Her usual address has been recorded as 243 Bright Street, Richmond but I suspect there may have been a mishearing of Highett Street.
Margaret was buried on August 1 in St. Kilda Cemetery, the undertaker being William J. Kerr (acting for John Daley), officiating priest W.B. Power and witnesses J.H. Thomas and James Lee.
1916 On Saturday, April 29, Herbert married Kathleen O'Conner at St. Francis Church, Melbourne. [See Section DN-7-5 for further information.]
1918 April 25 Herbert signed Lena Dunne's autograph book, presumably in Uphall, West Lothian, while AWOL from the AIF.
1922 On Sunday, December 10, John Dunne died at 243 Highett Street, City of Richmond, County of Bourke aged 68, of Paraplegia of spinal origin 6 weeks, Asthenia [inability to walk or stand] 3 weeks, certified by Dr. James Warne who last saw him on December 9. His death was registered No.7259 in the District of Richmond [VIC Ref 1922/14610] on December 11 by Edmond Patrick Dunne, 243 Highett St., Richmond, Present at Death.
John's profession is recorded as Police Force, his parents as Edmond Dunne, Carpenter and Margaret Dunne, formerly Tobin, he was born in Tipperary, Ireland and had been 45 years in Victoria. He married in South Melbourne at age 24 to Margaret Cashen and had children Edmond Patrick (now aged 43), John James (41), Thomas William (39), Joseph Augustus (37), Elizabeth (35), Herbert Patrick (33), Maria Agnes (dead), all of whom are correct (though Maria Agnes should have been listed before Herbert) and the ages are reasonably close.
John was buried on December 12 in St. Kilda Cemetery, the undertaker was William J. Kerr (acting for John Daley), officiating priest James McHaugh and witnesses G. Ellis and James Lee.
JOHN DALEY Funeral Undertaker, Corner of Latrobe & Spring Streets, Melbourne.