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Dolly Dalrymple

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Dolly Dalrymple (c. 1808–1864) was a Tasmanian Aboriginal woman. She was a known figure in the Tasmanian colonial legends.

Biography

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Dolly Dalrymple was born on one of the Furneaux Islands, between Victoria and Tasmania, to Woretemoeteyenner (also known as Pung or Margaret), daughter of the chief Mannarlargenna, from Van Diemen's Land, and George Briggs from Bedfordshire, England.[1] Her mother was either kidnapped by or paid to live with Briggs, who later sold her on to another sealer for a guinea.[1][2] Dolly Dalrymple became the foster child of the surgeon Jacob Mountgarrett (1773–1828), of Port Dalrymple, who had her baptised with the surname Dalrymple and educated her in Western domestic chores.[1]

From 1825, she lived with the convict Thomas Johnson (1801–1867), with whom she had several children and married six years later, in October 1831.[1] Earlier in the same year she had successfully defended her hut and children against an attack by Aboriginals while Johnson was away.[1] She was rewarded by the government with 20 acres (8.1 ha) of land at Perth, where she moved with Johnson and her children.[1]

In 1841 she was assisted by the government to bring her mother Woretemoeteyenner, then residing at Wybalenna, on Flinders Island, to live with her at Perth on the mainland of Tasmania.[1] By this time, Dalrymple had seven children.[1]

The entire family moved to the Mersey region in 1845. Thomas Johnson eventually became wealthy and purchased 500 acres (200 ha) in the modern locality of Latrobe where he founded Sherwood Hall beside the Mersey and Railton Road.[1][3] Dolly Dalrymple often managed his estates during his absence.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i McFarlane, Ian (2005), "Dalrymple, Dolly (1808–1864)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, retrieved 15 January 2018
  2. ^ Walter, Maggie (2006). "Woretemoeteyenner". Alexander, Alison (ed.). The Companion to Tasmanian History. Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies. University of Tasmania. Retrieved 20 August 2022.
  3. ^ "Historic Buildings". Latrobe Council. Retrieved 15 January 2018. Sherwood Hall: Bells Parade: Built in 1850 for Thomas Johnson and his wife Dolly Dalrymple [...]