James Durnin (1840-1907) was born in Co. Louth, Ireland. He 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. James served in the Civil War and married Mary Smith.
James's brothers, Henry (1822-1894) and John (1842-1912), also lived in St. Helena Parish. Henry taught in the school at Irishtown. He married Marie Philomene Landry of New Orleans and the two had a son. His wife and child died soon after the birth. He did not remarry. John also served in the Civil War. He married Mary Cronan, and they had eleven children.
From the description of James and John Durnin papers, 1849-1881. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122411214
