The family of Dunning originated from Ashburton County of Devonshire England. In the year 1717 Mr. Andrew Dunning arrived at Georgetown on the Kennebec River, (what is now the state of Maine) came to Brunswick the same year, and settled at Magnoit, in the lot now occupied by Mrs. Margaret Dunning (1890's).

This lot he occupied until his death which was in 1735. His gravestone is the oldest to be found in the Church yard of the Old West Meeting House. Soon after his death his house was burned and his widow perished in the flames. He left five sons, viz, David, James, William, Andrew and Robert, we are not informed that there were any daughters. David settled where the village now stands. James lived on the homestead. William removed to York, and his two sons Benjamin and Andrew settled in Harpswell in 1775. Andrew and Robert were killed by the indians in 1742 while crossing the river at Mason's Rock. One fell into the rivers, the other escaped with the Boat to topsham and died the next morning.

They were buried together in the graveyard attached to Fort George on the spot where Roger Merritts' Store now stands. Andrew was about 20 years of age. Roberts age unknown.

The oldest son David owned most of the land wheere the village of Brunsiwck ow stands and erected a large block house, or Garrison where the old Tavern House now stands near the Swartkin Store.