JOHN CUNNINGHAM Jr. Biography, son of John R. 
Tippecanoe Township Tippecanoe County, Indiana

The parents of this gentleman were of Irish extraction, although natives of the United States. His father JOHN CUNNINGHAM,
married SARAH McKINLEY and settled in Clermont County, Ohio, removing from that point to Dearborn County, Ind., April 1, 1826.
He remained a citizen of the latter county until 1831, at which time he came to Tippecanoe County, and became identified with
the early settlement of Washington Township. Almost penniless, and with a family of nine children to support, his burden was 
almost intolerable. After clearing a small patch of ground, he contrived to sustain his family upon its scanty products.

A few years earlier, the construction of the Wabash & Erie Canal offered him relief from his embarrassed position. He became 
a contractor in the construction of this canal, and, with the money thus procured, fitted out a flat-boat, which he loaded with
produce, floating by way of the Wabash and Ohio Rivers to Southern ports, where he disposed of his cargo at a handsome profit. 
This he repeated many times, returning from each trip with increased capital.

He wisely invested his means in land, which increased rapidly in value. Thus at the time of his death in 1858, he left to his
family an estate valued at $50,000. He was one who always commanded respect, and wielded an influence for good over all his
surroundings. He was the first Justice of the Peace elected in Washington Township, and continued to act in that capacity for a
period of ten years.

His son JOHN, for whom this sketch is prepared, was born at Aurora, Dearborn Co., Ind., April 1, 1826, and in the year 1831, 
came with his parents to Tippecanoe County. His early educational privileges were associated with a rude log school house near
Americus, with puncheon floor and seats of the same material; a log having been removed nearly the entire length of the structure,
over which greased paper was pasted, to admit the light. The instruction here imparted was in keeping with the character of the building; 
he course of study being limited to a knowledge of reading, writing and "ciphering." This school was only open for a short time in the
Winter, and the benefits derived therefrom were not very apparent, as the teachers were not highly educated, and, therefore, unable to 
impart an education of a high order. To this school, however, the subject of our sketch was indebted for all the education of his 
childhood. By diligent study in later years, he acquired an education, which, although not complete, has enabled him to engage 
successfully in the duties of an active life. The remainder of his education was in the practical science of farming, which he
has followed with great success.

At the age of 23 years, he married Miss SALOME BEMENDERFER, on the 25 day of October 1849. Immediately after his marriage, he 
settled on the Wea Plain, where he remained for one year, subsequently removing to White County, Ind. After a residence of one
year at that point, he returned to Tippecanoe County, and located upon the farm which he now occupies. Here he has reared a family
of four children, named respectively: MARY ELLEN, born November 27, 1851; JOHN RANDOLPH, February 8, 1854; DOUGLAS ANDREW,
March 15, 1856, and EMMA SARAH, July 24, 1858; all of whom ar still living, having arrived at maturity. Until January, 1878, 
the happiness of the family circle remained unbroken; but on the 29th day of that month the faithful wife and mother was removed 
from earth by the hand of death. The children still reside on the homestead with the bereaved father.

Since boyhood, Mr. CUNNINGHAM has been engaged in the pursuit of farming, which has been varied, however, by some trading experiences. 
In 1855, associated with Dr. GARRET, he built a flat boat at Americus, entering the Wabash River at that point. This they loaded with
corn for the port of New Orleans. Floating down by way of the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, they reached their destination after a journey
of more than two months, disposing of their cargo and realizing a handsome profit on their investment.

His limited educational privileges have made him keenly sensible to the importance of public schools, and he has ever been regarded
as the substantial friend of such institutions. He is an acknowledged leader in public improvements, and, from his long experience as
a pioneer, realizing their value to the agriculturist, has used both time and means for the furtherance of enterprises having that end
in view. He was the first to advocate a bridge across Tippecanoe River, and it was mainly through his instrumentality that the handsome
wrought iron bridge was constructed across that stream, thus uniting a section hitherto isolated, and proving an institution of 
incalculable benefit. He is an active worker in the Democratic party, and, although a zealous partisan, has invariable discountenanced 
any attempt to substitute policy for principle. He is an enemy of fraud and corruption, and never fails to lend a helping hand for its
suppression, when in his power to do so.

Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana, pg. 43
Kingman Brothers, 1878