DUNPHYS OF COUNTY LAOIS AND AUSTRALIA
Contributed by Mike Dunphy (Member 17) of Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Origins
John Dunphy married Catherine Wallis at Mountrath, Queens County, in 1825. John’s parents were William and Catherine and it appears that Catherine’s maiden name was also Dunphy. The parents of Catherine Wallis were John and Catherine and her mother’s maiden name was Bennett. There is some evidence to support the view that the Dunphys lived and worked on the property called Erkindale which is just 5km east of Rathdowney in an area known as Coolkerry. Although it is likely that both John and Catherine had siblings it has not been possible to this stage to locate them in either Ireland or America.
First generation
John and Catherine had twelve children – Catherine, William, John, Joseph, James, Margaret, Fenton, Mary Anne, Patrick , Sarah, Anne and Edward. The last mentioned child died in Ireland before the family moved to Australia. It was Catherine, William and Margaret who migrated to Australia in 1850 and the rest of the family followed in 1853, arriving in 1854. The whole family initially settled in Parramatta and the parents died in 1856 and 1859. Both are buried in St. Patrick’s cemetery, Parramatta. The headstone is well preserved, although it has developed a slight tilt.
Subsequent generations
All the children moved to what was called the gold diggings in north east Victoria in the Buckland, Porepunkah, Bright and Wandiligong area. Here they established themselves as storekeepers, butchers, postmasters, bakers, hoteliers and farmers. Several became active in community affairs, councils and the Catholic church. The Dunphys are usually referred to as pioneers in this part of Victoria and their influence is well recognised.
All of the eleven originals married and their children and those of subsequent generations have been contacted as far as possible. Unfortunately, little is known in regard to the descendents of Catherine and William, but extensive details are known for the others. These details include names, and dates for births, deaths and marriages for up to five generations beyond the original eleven children. There are now descendents of John and Catherine in every Australian state and territory.