Cunningham, John 1848 - 1927
CUNNINGHAM, FIELDS, MERRITT, WILKS, EMSLIE, CULBERT
Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/19/2014 at 12:37:26
JOHN CUNNINGHAM
One of the most extensive landowners in Winneshiek county and one of the most progressive and substantial agriculturists in this part of Iowa is John Cunningham, who since 1873 has lived in Orleans township, engaged in farming. The years have brought him well deserved and substantial success and he has accumulated large holdings, owning today seven hundred acres of fine land lying partly in Winneshiek and partly in Howard County. This is in addition to nine hundred and sixty acres to which he holds title in Manitoba.
John Cunningham was born in Scotland, March 4, 1848, and is a son of Adam and Sophia Cunningham, natives of that country. The parents came to America in 1854 and settled in Ogdensburg, New York, where the father followed the trades of stone mason and contractor until his death. The mother also passed away in Ogdensburg, dying June 4, 1861. In this family were seven children: Marian, deceased; John, of this review; Mary, who became the wife of John Fields, of Canton, New York; Carrie, who married Fred Merritt, of West Virginia; Peter, deceased; Wilbur; and Lillian, who married Fred Wilks, of Ogdensburg.
John Cunningham came to America with his parents in 1854 and at the age of thirteen, after his mother's death, worked as a farm hand in New York, continuing thus for nine years. He then spent one year in Minnesota and in 1873 located in Winneshiek County. He bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 24, Orleans township, and in that locality he has since resided, adding to his holdings from time to time and becoming in the course of years one of the leading agriculturists in this part of Iowa. He owns seven hundred acres lying in Winneshiek and Howard counties and nine hundred and sixty acres of fine Manitoba land, and his business interests are always conducted in a capable and practical way. His Iowa farm is a well improved and productive property, thoroughly modern in equipment and supplied with everything necessary for carrying on agricultural pursuits according to the most scientific methods. Its buildings are substantial and in good repair and include a silo, with a capacity of one hundred and fifty tons. Mr. Cunningham gives personal supervision to his property and the results of his constant and well directed efforts are seen in the excellent condition and attractive appearance of the place.
On the 10th of June, 1875, Mr. Cunningham was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Emslie, and they have become the parents of two children: John L. who is associated with his father; and Olive, who became the wife of Mahlon Culbert, of Howard County.
Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Methodist church and is a republican in his political beliefs. Although he has never sought nor desired public office, he served for a time on the school board, the cause of education finding in him a loyal and able supporter. No farmer in Winneshiek County has achieved greater success in agricultural pursuits than has Mr. Cunningham and his individual prosperity is regarded as one of the most important elements in the general development of this section.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913
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