John Dunn (miller) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Dunn Sr.
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Dunn
13 February 1802 Bondleigh, Devon, England |
| Died | 13 October 1894 (aged 92) Mount Barker, South Australia |
| Spouses | Ann Rowe (1802–1870) and Jane Cork Williams (c. 1833 – 1929) |
| Relations | William Paltridge (son-in-law) |
| Children | John Dunn Jr. (1830–1892), Mary Ann Hill (1832–1912), Elizabeth Paltridge (1834–1928), Eliza Dunn (1837–1856), William Henry Dunn (1841–1891) |
| Parents | Charles Dunn and Thomasin Dunn (née Hooper) |
John Dunn Sr. (born 13 February 1802 – died 13 October 1894) was a very important person in the early days of South Australia. He was a successful flour miller, a member of parliament, and someone who loved to help others. He was especially well-known in Mount Barker, South Australia.
John Dunn's Life and Work
John Dunn was born in a small village called Bondleigh in Devon, England. His father was a farmer. When John was just 10 years old, he started working as a servant. Later, he learned how to be a miller, which is someone who grinds grain into flour. He worked as an apprentice for seven years.
After that, he became the manager of a steam mill. By 1836, he owned his own mill. His brothers had already moved to Australia. They suggested he join them. So, in 1840, John, his wife, and their four children sailed to Australia. They arrived at Port Adelaide on 6 September 1840.
Starting a Business in Australia
When John first arrived, he found work with a company called Borrow & Goodiar. Soon, he bought some land near his brother's farm. In 1842, he built a windmill there to grind flour. This might have been the first windmill in Australia!
However, the wind in that area was not always strong enough. Also, his windmill was built in a way that he couldn't change the direction of its sails. This made it hard to use. So, he ordered a small steam engine from England.
While he waited for the engine, he worked for John Ridley. He even helped Ridley build his famous machine called a "reaper." This machine helped farmers harvest their crops much faster. John helped test the reaper on a farm in Mount Barker.
For a short time, John also managed the first steam mill in Adelaide. This mill was owned by the South Australian Company.
Building Steam Mills
John Dunn's first steam mill in Mount Barker started working in 1844. This was only the second steam mill in Australia. At that time, South Australia was the only place in Australia that grew a lot of wheat.
Soon, flour from Dunn's mills and other mills was sent to other parts of Australia and even overseas. John's business grew very big. His company ended up with eleven steam flour mills. Five of these mills had modern roller machines. John's very first steam mill was later used for making leather instead of flour.
John brought his two sons and his son-in-law into the business as partners. His brother-in-law also joined. Later, one of his sons left to become a farmer. John Dunn himself retired from the business in 1889. His son, John Dunn Jr., then took over the company.
Helping the Community
John Dunn was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He was very generous and used his money to help others.
Church and Park
He paid for the building of a church in Mount Barker. It was named the "Dunn Memorial Church" and opened in 1884. He also paid for several rows of houses. These houses were for older people in the area who needed help.
On his 90th birthday, he gave a park to the people of Mount Barker. It was called "Dunn Park."
When John Dunn died, he left a lot of money, about £100,000. He gave large amounts of this money to many charities. Many of these charities were connected to the Methodist Church and Prince Alfred College.
John Dunn's Mills
John Dunn built many mills throughout South Australia. Here are some of the most important ones:
Hay Valley Windmill
His very first mill, built in 1842, was a windmill. It was located at Hay Valley, near Nairne.
Mount Barker Mill
His second mill was much bigger. It was a three-story stone mill powered by steam. It was built in 1844 in Mount Barker.
Bridgewater Mill
Around 1857, John Dunn bought land in Bridgewater to build another mill. This mill used both steam and water power. For most of the year, it was powered by water from Cox's Creek. In 1870, a big flood washed away the mill's dam and some bridges.
Today, this building is a tourist attraction. It is owned by Petaluma Wines and is now a restaurant. The millwheel still works, but it is powered by electricity.
Mount Torrens Mill (1865)
This mill was built in Mount Torrens in 1865.
Port Adelaide Mill
John Dunn Jr. built a steam mill in Port Adelaide. It started working in early 1866. Sadly, it burned down later that year. It was rebuilt the next year. This mill was later taken over by John Dunn Sr.'s company. In 1887, it was destroyed by fire again.
Second Nairne Mill (1873)
This was another mill built in Nairne in 1873.
Wilmington Mill (1878)
A mill was built in Wilmington in 1878.
Port Augusta Jetty and Mill (1880)
In 1880, a modern steam mill was built in Port Augusta.
Hawker Mill (1884)
Another mill was built in Hawker in 1884.
John Dunn's Family
John Dunn Sr. was born to Charles and Thomasin Dunn. His parents later moved to South Australia to be with their children.
John married Ann Rowe in 1828. They had several children:
- John Dunn Jr. (1830–1892): He was born in Devon, England. He later became a partner in his father's business. He also served as a member of parliament.
- Mary Ann Dunn (1832–1912)
- Elizabeth Dunn (around 1835–1928)
- Eliza Dunn (1838–1856)
- William Henry Dunn (1841–1891): He was born in Nairne, Australia. He also joined his father's company and later became a farmer and a member of parliament.
After his first wife died, John Dunn married Jane Cork Williams in 1872. Her sister, Elizabeth, was married to John Dunn Jr.
John Dunn Sr. died at his home, "The Laurels," which was built in 1857.
