Henry Durnin came with his parents James and Mary (née Sharkey) Durnin to Louisiana in 1849 and the family settled in St. Helena Parish in an area known as Irishtown, which was located on the east side of the Tickfaw River. Many of Mary Durnin's relatives had also settled there. Henry taught in the school at Irishtown. He married Marie Philomene Landry of New Orleans, his wife and only son died soon after the birth, and he did not remarry. Henry's younger brothers, James (1840-1907) and John (1842-1912), served in the Civil War.
From the description of Henry Durnin mathematical notebook, 1837, 1840-1844. (Louisiana State University). WorldCat record id: 150485171