William S. Cunningham

William S. Cunningham has, been a resident of Newton County the greater part of half a 
century. He has been one of the live and energetic businessmen of this community, and his 
name is especially associated with the grain and coal trade. Successful in business, he has 
not neglected the public welfare, and is a man who can be depended upon for helpful support 
wherever the best interests of his hometown ate concerned.
He was born in Sheldon, Illinois, June 23, 1865, a son of Terrence and Oregon (Bramble) 
Cunningham. His father was born in Ireland and was brought to America by the grandfather, 
Terrence Cunningham Sr., Who located in Lafayette, Indiana, and moved from there to 
Logansport, which was his home until his death. Terrence Jr. first came to Kentland in 
Newton County in 1861, Soon after the first railroad had reached that place, and he was 
prominently identified with the pioneer life of the village and surrounding country. His 
name should be closely associated with those Who laid the foundations of modern prosperity 
there. Further details concerning this pioneer citizen will be found on other pages of this 
publication. Terrence Cunningham was the father of a family of seven children, six of whom 
are still living. William S. Cunningham grew up largely in Newton County, attended the 
public schools, and at the beginning of his business career entered the grain trade at 
Brook, Indiana, under the firm name of T. Cunningham & Son. That firm had a prosperous 
existence from 1888 to 1905, when the business was sold. 
Since 1905 Mr. Cunningham has been in business under his individual name as a wholesale 
and retail coal merchant of Brook. On December 17, 1890, at Kentland he married Miss Clara 
Thompson, daughter of Mr. James Thompson. Mrs. Cunningham's people came to Indiana from 
Illinois. Fraternally Mr. Cunningham is affiliated with Brook Lodge No. 67°, Free and 
Accepted Masons, which he has served as secretary for three years, and he also belongs to 
the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is an independent voter. 



-------------------------------------------------------------------------
USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any
format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons.
Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain
the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative
of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof
of this consent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Submitted By Beth Bassett  beth@ffni.com