Cunningham, John M. 1864 - 1937

CUNNINGHAM, HALZER, RIEBSAMEN, CHRIST, SCHORI, ALLEN, MEDBERRY

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/26/2023 at 11:45:10

Clayton County Register, 21 Apr. 1937.

VOLGA: Final taps was sounded Sunday at the Sacred Heart cemetery here in funeral services held for the last surviving Spanish-American war veteran, John M. Cunningham. Services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic church at 10:30 o'clock mass read by the pastor, Rev. D. P. Cregan. Active pallbearers were H. L. Taylor, Ray Little, Reid Davis, L. N. Hungerford, Maurice Minihan and H. L. Rogers.

The local Legion, assisted by the Elkader Legion, escorted the flag-draped casket to the church. Following the services, they marched to the cemetery. Prayers were read by Rev. Cregan. The flag from the casket was folded and presented to the widow, after which the salutes were fired and taps was sounded.

Mr. Cunningham was born in Washington, Ohio, Nov. 18, 1864, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Cunningham. He was one of a family of six children. When a young boy he moved with his parents to Iowa, residing for a number of years in Bancroft, where he engaged in Business.

He enlisted in the Spanish-American war on May 3, 1898, and served until May 13, 1899, when he was honorably discharged at Savannah, Ga.

After that he returned to Iowa and settled in Decorah. On October 2, 1907, he was married to Miss Henrietta Halzer of Elgin. They resided in different localities in Northeastern Iowa and finally came to Volga in the year 1909, where they have since lived.

Nine years ago he was stricken with diabetes, from which he suffered greatly until the time of his demise. His affliction was borne with remarkable patience, and he was comforted and cared for faithfully by his wife.

His passing is deeply mourned by his wife, three sons, Claire and Donald, of Chicago, and Harley of Cameron, Mont; one brother, Joseph, of Burt, Iowa.

Out-of-town relatives to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Claire Cunningham, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Cunningham of Chicago, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Riebsamen of Marshalltown; Mrs. Ernest Halzer, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Christ, Mr. and Mrs. Al Schori, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Allen, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Halzer, Mrs. Howard Medberry and daughter Marlene, Ernest Schori and daughter Geraldine, of Elgin; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Voshell of West Union.

(Note: A long list of those identified as friends from far and near was not transcribed.)