Biography

Alfred Bungey (1860 - 1947) was born in Titchfield, Hampshire, England, on 20^th December 1860
*Note: Entry in linked entry of Launceston Family Album has his place of birth as Emerald Hill, Melbourne.
He emigrated to Tasmania in the mid-1870s having been apprenticed to the drapery trade in England.
Alfred was employed as a draper at Dempsters' 'Beehive' store until he established his own shop in Aug 1912 selling mainly ready-made women's and children's clothes at 'Bungey's Corner'. This was situated on the corner of Brisbane and George Streets, after being located at several premises in Launceston, including Brisbane Street, George Street and St. John Street. An advertisement in The Examiner newspaper of December 1932 states that there was for sale at Bungey’s – “Hosiery – pure silk fully fashioned in a full range of colours 6s 11d a pair – gift boxes of envelopes given away with every pair of hose.”

Another item was “Bathing suits – Ladies heavy weight cotton with overskirt, usual price 7s 11d special selling price 2s 6d. Infants all wool bathing suits 2s 6d.”

On 12^th April 1899, Alfred married Ada Blanche Coulter at St. John's Church. She was born on 27^th April 1874 in Launceston. Her parents emigrated from Co. Cork, Ireland. Mr Coulter was police superintendent in Launceston. Alfred and Ada had four children, one of whom married a descendant of the Revd John Youl,'” first clergyman of St. John’s Church. The Bungey family also attended St. John’s.

Alfred died at his home in St. John Street on 13^th May 1947, and Ada died on 31^st January 1949.

At St. John’s Church, a pair of finely carved flower pedestals was given by the family, one in memory of each parent. The inscriptions read:
IN MEMORY OF ALFRED BUNGEY 1947.
IN MEMORY OF ADA BLANCHE BUNGEY 1949

Source