Phillip Dignam
Irish-born shop-keeper and politician in New South Wales, Australia
About Phillip Dignam
Lived 1810 – 1879 (aged 68–69). Phillip Dignam was a British politician, shopkeeper, businessperson, auctioneer and pawnbroker.
Phillip Dignam (1810 – 23 June 1879) was an Irish-born Australian politician.
He was born in Dublin and migrated to Australia around 1839. On 13 September 1843 he married Bridget O'Hanlon, with whom he had eight children. He worked as an auctioneer in 1846, based in Goulburn, and in 1849 opened the town's first pawnshop. A Goulburn alderman and mayor, he ran general stores and then entered the wine and spirits business. In 1864 he was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Argyle, but he did not re-contest in 1869. Dignam died at Goulburn in 1879.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Phillip Dignam's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Phillip Dignam?
Irish-born shop-keeper and politician in New South Wales, Australia (1810–1879)
When was Phillip Dignam born?
Phillip Dignam was born in 1810 in Dublin.
When did Phillip Dignam die?
Phillip Dignam died on 23 June 1879 in Goulburn.
What was Phillip Dignam's occupation?
Phillip Dignam was a politician, shopkeeper, businessperson, auctioneer and pawnbroker.
What nationality was Phillip Dignam?
Phillip Dignam was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Phillip Dignam. https://biography.guide/phillip-dignam/
MLA: "Phillip Dignam." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/phillip-dignam/.
Chicago: "Phillip Dignam." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/phillip-dignam/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:30 UTC