CUNNINGHAM Nicholas

CUNNINGHAM HILFERTY

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 2/23/2005 at 18:10:06

OLD PIONEER CALLED
Prominent Resident Succumbs After an Illness of Short Duration.
Funeral Services Monday
Settled on a Farm In Scott Township over Fifty Years Ago.

This community was greatly shocked last Saturday, when it learned of the death of Nicholas Cunningham, one of the prominent farmers of Scott township, who recently had a severe stroke of paralysis, from which he never recovered. The following is the obituary:

Fifty years ago, these prairies clad in nature's wildest garments, presented an inviting prospect to the young man who had resolved to "Go West". Many came, looked the ground over, lost faith in its possibilities and returned, carrying with them awful stories of what they saw. Others were determined and of keener insight wedded themselves to the virgin soil and in the face of countless difficulties and hardships, proceeded to bring forth the Paradise that we see today.

Of this Celtic class, Nicholas Cunningham, was one. All the way from Philadelphia too, arrived in early spring and with a young wife, he took to himself the previous fall. Setting out afoot from Marble Rock in 1864 and reaching the hill over in Scott Twp., "The Valley lay smiling before him ", where his lot was cast until death called him to his reward, Saturday, March 20, 1915.

Aided by his young wife, formerly Miss Fannie Hilferty, and with abundance of health, cheerfulness of spirit and the courage of true pioneer, he commenced the task of making a living meeting all the ups and downs as they came, never yielding to despair, on the contrary trimuphing over every obstacle and moving forward with new zeal toward the securing of a comfortable home in which he succeded far beyond his early expectations.

Mr. Cunningham kept in mind all this time his duties towards his God, was faithful in the performance of them and being well versed in his religion, the fruitage thereof went out, radiating like the fragrance of the rose.
His love went out to every neighbor, because he knew God demands this from his friends, so did also his charity, assistance and sympathy. His strict honesty, simplicity of life and general integrity of manly character, conveyed their lessons to those who had a passing acquaintanship.
He leaves a holy memory behind.

The funeral procession wended its lengthy way to St. Patrick's church on Monday, made up of friends from far and near, where High Mass was said and the last rites observed of the Church of which Mr. Cunningham was so edifying a member.

His body was buried in the family lot beside his wife, his faithful helper in life and whom the Lord called to her reward twenty-one years ago.

Four sons and one daughter are left to lament over the taking away of a kind and tender-hearted father, James, Dan, John, Charles and Mary.