Elizabeth Branks Cunningham 1832-1914

CUNNINGHAM, BRANKS, QUERK

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/28/2013 at 20:14:43

Mrs. John Cunningham of High Lake Dead
Mrs. John Cunningham, one of the first settlers in High Lake township, died January 6. The funeral was held Saturday. Services were conducted at the Catholic church in Graettinger, Rev. J. Kelly officiating.

The burial was in the parochial cemetery. There were a large number of old neighbors and friend in attendance.

Mrs. Cunningham was born in Dublin, Ireland, something over eighty years ago. At an early age she came to America. Soon after she was married at Janesville, Wisconsin, to John Cunningham. Shortly after their marriage they came to Emmet county and settled on a farm on the banks of Mud lake where she resided for something over fifty years. Mr. Cunningham died in 1903 [1904]. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham – five sons and two daughters. Those living are John, James, Adeline and Mary. James and the two daughters live on the old homestead. John resides near Graettinger. The other sons died some years ago.

Mrs. Cunningham was a most benevolent, warm hearted Christian woman. She underwent many hardships in pioneer days. She was charitable to the many settlers who located in the community during the early history of Emmet county. She was a devout member of the Catholic church and she passed away fortified in its sacraments. The sympathy is extended to the surviving sons and daughters in their bereavement. (Emmetsburg Democrat, Emmetsburg, IA, January 14, 1914)

Pioneer Lady Dies
Mrs. John Cunningham of High Lake Township dies Suddenly of Pneumonia
Funeral Held Saturday
The friends of the Cunningham family were very much shocked on Wednesday of last week to hear of the death of Mrs. Cunningham. She passed away at half past twelve o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Prior to a few days before her death she had apparently been in her usual health and the first that any change had come over her was after dinner Sunday when she appeared to be getting drowsy and remarked that she could hardly stay awake. Dr. Hession was summoned and he pronounced it pneumonia. He attended her every day and all that loving hands could do was done, but she was so weak that she never rallied. Her children, James, Alaline and Mary were continually at her bedside through her sickness and at her death. When the end came she closed her eyes as a little child would and just went to sleep, never moving nor showing any signs of pain whatever. The day before she realized that the end was near and calling her children, taking their hands, asked God to bless them for their loving care and kindness to her. When prepared for death, she said she was ready and satisfied only regretted leaving the children who had ministered to her for so long. For over forty years she had been afflicted with rheumatism, at times being nearly helpless.

The funeral was held at eight o’clock on Saturday morning at the house and at ten o’clock at the Catholic church in this city, conducted by Reverend Kelly, and interment made in St. Jacob’s cemetery north of town, beside the remains of her son, Thomas.

The maiden name of the deceased was Elizabeth Branks. She was born and raised to young womanhood in Ireland. She received her education in the convent at Dublin. When she finished school in Dublin, she came to this county to Janesville, Wis., where her sister, Mrs. William Querk, resided. Her sister’s daughter, Margaret, accompanied her from Ireland. Mrs. Cunningham made her home with her sister in Wisconsin until she was united in marriage at the age of twenty-five to John Cunningham. They made their home in Janesville for a few years. Fifty years ago they moved to Emmet county and purchased the 240 acre farm on the banks of Mud Lake, where they have subsequently resided. Eight children were born to their union five of whom are living. They are: Michael and John, who are away from home and James, Adaline and Mary, who are at home. One child died in infancy, in Janesville, William died in 1909 in Tama county, Thomas died in Cary, N.D., in 1912 and the father, John Cunningham, died at the home in High Lake township at the age of eighty years in 1904.

Mrs. Cunningham was one of the pioneer ladies of this community. She knew what hardship meant and when privations of the early life in the wilderness came she was ready to meet them. She was devoted to her family and the daughters especially were strongly attached to her. During her life time she had a great deal of sickness and one or both of her daughters was always with her. Such devotion will not go unrewarded. She appreciated the kindness bestowed upon her and through all of her sickness bore the pain without hardly a murmur. She strictly adhered to her Catholic faith from early childhood and lived as a good Catholic should. She was always bright and cheerful and had a happy disposition. The daughters will miss their mother, but have consolation that she is safe in the haven of rest. The Times extends sincere sympathy. (Graettinger Times, Graettinger, IA, January 15, 1914)