Isaac Duffin

In Loving Memory Of
Our Dear Father
Isaac Duffin
Died 28th April 1905
And His Beloved Daughter
Margaret J.S.Menzies
Died 12 August 1931
Peace Perfect Peace

Isaac Duffin was born c1841 in Belfast Ireland to Isaac Duffin and Agnes Kemp. He met and married Mary Smith on the 13 March 1866 in Belfast Ireland.

In 1874 with three of their children, Margaret, James and Mary they set sail on the “Gauntlet” and arrived in Maryborough Qld on the 1 January 1875.

John, William, Johanna, Charles and Agnes were born after their arrival in Australia.

In 1885 in the Cairns Post it was noted that Isaac was in Cooktown and appointed Crown Lands Ranger for that district.

In the Morning Post in November 1899 and article appeared about Isaac and the following was written, giving this description: “In the first place Mr. Isaac Duffin, although a trustworthy, honest, respected and old officer of his Department, is as pig-headed and obstinate over some things as the proverbial mule.” Perhaps true, perhaps not.

Isaac was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and in June 1889 it was noted that he was Master at a Masonic ball.

Isaac is buried here with his daughter Margaret. His wife Mary, who died in February 1913, aged 68, is also buried in McLeod Street in a separate grave.

Margaret Jane Smith Menzies

Born c 1870 in Belfast, Ireland and arrived in Australia in 1875 with her parents Isaac and Mary, aged five.

In 1891the Land Court, conditionally approved 120a at Trinity to Margaret for agricultural farming.

Margaret married John Charles Menzies in October 1901 and had one child John Charles Menzies. She died aged 61 and her profession was a school teacher.

In 1900 the Education Department transferred Margaret, Assistant School Teacher, from the Herberton School to Cairns. In 1914, after her marriage Margaret was transferred from Cairns to Innisfail and in 1917 was transferred back to Cairns (Girls and Infants) School.

Information Compiled By: Cairns District Family History Society Inc.