Suicide After Seeing a Fortune-Teller.
On the 14th of May 1901, the body of Bridget Dunn
was found in Anderson’s Creek. The creek, near the property of Lambert
Christie, had about 18 inches of water in it. Dunn’s legs were tied together,
and her hands fastened behind her back, an obvious murder.[1]
Bridget Dunn was a
servant of Mr Lambert and Rosa Christie. She had been in the employ of the
Christies for 3 and half years. Lambert Christie was born on Kangaroo Island in
1858. With his father, he operated the Kangaroo Island mail service. In 1895,
Lambert purchased land surrounding Dalebrook Homestead.[2]
Lambert was a member of the Morphett Vale District Council and served as
Chairperson from 1904 until 1909. He laid the foundation stone for the Morphet
Vale Institute extension in William Street, Morphett Vale in 1928. The farm was
sold in 1932, and the land south of what is now Christie's Creek was subdivided
and named Christie's Beach.[3]
Bridget Dunn was described as a cheerful young lady. In
early May 1901, she visited a psychic and had her fortune told. After that time
Bridget’s demeanour changed, and she became morose and low-spirited. Bridget
was questioned on her noticeable change of temperament, and replied, "You
don't know what the fortune-teller told me." [4]
Governess of the Christie house, Miss Naughton, last saw Dunn at 9:30 am on Wednesday. She was not reported missing until noon that day when her neglect of her usual duties was noticed. A search was conducted, and
Mr O.R. Milway found her body in the creek under the bridge.
During an inquest, evidence was submitted that Dunn had been
acting irrationally the morning of her death. She had reportedly made a fire
outside and burned books, papers and old clothing. Dunn had mentioned suicide but in a joking way. The jury brought in the following verdict: "That deceased came to her death by
drowning herself while in a temporary fit of insanity, which was brought on by
a hallucination after seeing a fortune-teller."[5]
It seems to me,
highly unlikely that Bridget Dunn committed suicide. How would she tie her
hands behind her back before drowning herself? If she was going to take her own
lie, other, easier means would have been readily available on a farm in 1901.
It seems to me, and this is just my personal opinion, that someone killed
Bridget Dunn, and we may never know the reason why!
Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2025.
[1] 'A Determined Suicide.', Chronicle. (25
May 1901), p. 16.
[2] ‘History of Christies Beach,’ Professionals
Christies Beach, (2013),
https://christiesbeachprofessionals.com.au/2013/09/history-of-christies-beach/.
[3] Bruce Swann, ‘Christies Homestead: Treasures Wall
Exhibit,’ State Library of South Australia, (2009),
https://digital.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/nodes/view/595.
[4] 'After Seeing a Fortune-Teller.', The Daily
Telegraph, (20 May 1901), p. 6.
[5] 'Suicide After Seeing a Fortune-Teller.', Sunday
Times, (26 May 1901), p. 8.
