Edward Fitzsimmons Dunne - Early Years

Early Years

Born in 1853, in Watertown, Connecticut, he was the son of an ardent Irish nationalist, Patrick William (P. W.) Dunne (1832–1921), who emigrated to America in 1849 after the failed Young Ireland revolt. His mother, Delia Mary (Mary) Lawlor, was the daughter of a prosperous Irish contractor, and participant in the Irish Rebellion of 1798, who helped construct the docks of Galway.

The family moved to Peoria, Illinois while Dunne was still an infant, and he was educated there in the public schools. His father refused to send his son to the local Catholic academy, because the Catholic Church had spoken out against the activities of the Fenians.

P. W. Dunne was a prosperous businessman, active in both Irish and American politics. He raised money for the Fenians, gave generously of his own funds, and frequently hosted Irish politicians, political exiles, and rebels in his home when they traveled to Chicago.