Thomas Patrick Dunne, who is filling the office of police judge of Meriden, was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut, March 17, 1877, a son of Edward and Ellen Dunne, who emigrated from Ireland to the new world, settling in Wethersfield in 1854. They had a family of seven children, of whom four are still living in Meriden, namely: Thomas Patrick; Katharine J.; Elizabeth K.; and Edwin.

Judge Dunne pursued his early education in the public schools of his native city until 1884, when the family home was established in Meriden, where he continued his studies, passing through consecutive grades until he graduated from the high school with the class of 1896. He afterward attended a commercial college, pursuing a business course, and subsequently entered the law office of Judge Fay, being at that time about nineteen years of age. After a thorough preliminary course of reading he was admitted to the bar on the 26th of June, 1900, and at once entered upon active practice. He was assistant prosecuting attorney, has also filled the office of city attorney since 1907, save for a period of about eighteen months, and in 1917 he was elected police judge, assuming the duties of that position on the 1st of July. He has made a most excellent record in public office, fully upholding the high standards of the profession and at the same time doing splendid work for his constituents.

On the 10th of September, 1908, Judge Dunne was united in marriage to Miss Katharine A. McKeough, of Meriden, and they have two children: Thomas, who was born in 1912; and Alice, born in 1915.

Judge and Mrs. Dunne attend St. Rose's Roman Catholic church and he holds membership with the Elks, the T. A. B. Society and is otherwise prominent socially. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he served as councilman from the second ward of Meriden for two terms. His public service has been characterized by marked devotion to the general good and in his profession he has made for himself a creditable place, studying closely the principles of jurisprudence, and actuated at all times by the highest professional standards. From the age of seven years lie has made his home in Meriden, where high regard is entertained for him by reason of his possession of those qualities which in every land and clime win respect and confidence.