From the Weekly Herald and Lake Superior Mining Journal October 24, 1883,
page 3"One of Dunning's boys was found hiding by Mr. Pattullo last night crouched at the end of Mark's block, and crying with cold and fear of going home to his brutal father. The boy was taken to Queen's (Hotel) and lodged comfortably for the night, another gentleman, Captain Harbottle, Toronto, having purchased a pair of shoes for the child. It is really disgracefull and a scandal upon the town that these children should be longer uncared for. They are not only liable to be frozed to death when turned out at night, but they will certainly sooner or later be made criminals by exposure to temptation. The Reeve and Council should attend to this matter at once.
Page 4
A BRUTAL FATHER
"One of the most pitiable sights to be seen in any civilized community almost daily can be seen in Port Arthur. Two little children are seen wandering around town these cold days with hardly any clothing and nothing to eat. Upon inquiry we found they were the children of A. I. Dunning the notorious lawyer. These children are neglected, abused and sworn at by this inhuman wretch, and turned out into the cold to go as they please. A little girl belonging to Dunning was we learned taken in some time ago by the sisters at the Catholic nunnery and properly cared for; but the interests of the boys were not so well looked after. Last night they were wandering around town at a late hour shivering with the cold, and were taken in by a lady on Cumberland street. When they were told to go home they said they dare not or they would be killed. Surely the people of Port Arthur, and especially the authorities of our town will be alive to their duties and look after this case. The man Dunning is beyond reformation and should be punished."
The boys would have been Aaron Armstrong and Israel Beaconsfield, ages 5 and three at the time of the article in the paper, their sister would have been Lorinda who would have been 6. Aaron Israel Dunning, b 1846 and died 9 Apr 1884. By the time of the happenings above Aaron's wife, Euphemia Cordelia Armstrong, was already dead. As we know Aaron was charged with her death. I've tried to find further information on the case but there appears to be none. Aaron was a lawyer who was called to the bar in Ottawa, Ontario. He ran for local politics in Ottawa but was unsuccessful. He did though serve on Port Arthur Council in the late 1870's. Who said genealogy was boring. The newspaper was sensative in those days weren't they.
I have a small extract from the "Memoir of the Dunning Family" by George Gibb Dunning 1810-1892 which states: "He had immigrated to America, in company with one or two other near relatives, whose Christian names the narrator has not at command. They were men of education and good standing in society and were near relatives of that family of Dunnings in England from whom sprung the well known (in English History) Sir John Dunning, Attorney-General of England, and a strong debator in the House of Commons, and who was subsequently honored by promotion to the title of Lord Ashburton."
From the Weekly Herald and Lake Superior Mining Journal April 10, 1884
"A. I. Dunning, who has been a lawyer in this town for the past eight or ten years, died rather suddenly yesterday morning at his residence, Cumberland St. Mr. Dunning was a very shrewd lawyer, but for the past four or five years he became a slave to the intoxicating cup, and in consequence became low and degraded. It appears that he had an idea that his days were few, as only a short time before his death he informed a citizen that he believed he could not live much longer. In rising from his bed yesterday morning he complained of feeling unwell, and a short time after he went to his room with the intention of returning to bed, but while he was doing so suddenly died. On being examined the body was found to be emacitaed and in a filthy condition. He leaves three small children. The funeral took place today at two o'clock from his residence."
This is from The Daily Sentinal, Monday May 8, 1882, page 3
It is with much regret that we chronicle the death of Mrs. A. I. Dunning, which event to place on Saturday afternoon (May 6). An inquest is being held, but up to the time of writing no decision has been arrived at.
Tuesday May 9, 1882, page 3
Criminal - Mr. A. I. Dunning of this town is held today under a warrant directed to Chief Constable John Bourke. The chare is of a most serious character, that of causing the death of his wife "through culpable negligence". Mr. Dunning is well know as a prominent lawyer in the district. The evidence may appear unfavourable, but it is unwise to form hasty opinions. Mr. C. V. Warmoll, barrister has been retained for the defence.
Wednesday, May 10, 1882, page 3
Regina vs Dunning - In this case the defendant's case stands by order of Judge Laird for a week. The adjournment is for the purpose of communicating with the Attorney General. A further adjournment may bake place. The defedant is bail, two sureties for the sum of $1,000 each. The sureties are John Cousins and Malcom Nicholson.
The newspapers are missing from end of May to October 1882
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