Morgan Hill in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Catherine O’Toole Murphy Dunne

1828

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, December 27, 2022

1. Catherine O’Toole Murphy Dunne Marker

Inscription. Born in Wexford, Ireland, immigrated to Canada and in 1851 married Bernard Murphy in Quebec. Following his father, Martin Murphy Sr., the couple moved to California. She was widowed when there was a boiler explosion on the steamboat “Jenny Lind” while crossing San Francisco Bay. In 1862 Catherine married James Dunne. Widowed again in 1874, Catherine found herself the wealthiest property owner in California. She died in 1925 at the age of 96.

Erected by Morgan Hill Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 37° 8.066′ N, 121° 39.456′ W. Marker is in Morgan Hill, California, in Santa Clara County. Marker can be reached from Monterey Highway south of Wright Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The ceramic marker is mounted to a metal stand in the spiral Centennial History Trail rose garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17870 Monterey Hwy, Morgan Hill CA 95037, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rancho Ojo de Agua de la Coche (here, next to this marker); El Camino Real (here, next to this marker); First Grammar School (here, next to

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this marker); Bank of Morgan Hill (here, next to this marker); Murphy-Stephens-Townsend Party (here, next to this marker); Town of Morgan Hill Incorporated (here, next to this marker); 4000 BC to 1769 (here, next to this marker); [Morgan Hill] Centennial Project (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morgan Hill.

Also see . . .
1. The Morgan Hill Times: Catherine O’Toole Spawned a City.

"Among the women pioneers who led Morgan Hill community’s founding 100 years ago, none experienced greater heart-break – and triumph – in life than Catherine O’Toole Murphy Dunne."

(Submitted on December 27, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

2. Centennial History Trail.

"The Morgan Hill Centennial History Trail was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Morgan Hill. Starting at the center marker and then proceeding along an expanding spiral trail, you will pass approximately 100 raised post markers describing events in the history of Morgan Hill and the surrounding area."

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, December 25, 2022

2. Catherine O’Toole Murphy Dunne Marker

(Submitted on December 27, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, December 25, 2022

3. Catherine O’Toole Murphy Dunne Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 27, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 27, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.