cunninghamj
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The
Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties,
State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing
Co., 1904.
JAMES H. CUNNINGHAM is one of the well
known men of Douglas county and has gained a host of friends since coming
here. His geniality, uprightness and industry have given him a standing
of the best, as well as provided a goodly competence in property.
He is a native of Indiana, being born in Madison, Jefferson county, on
December 31, 1862, the son of Clelland and Laura (Keyt) Cunningham.
The mother dwells in Los Angeles, California. The father was captain
of Company L, in the Fourth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, and is now deceased.
James attended the common schools early in life then finished his education
in Hanover college. In 1883, he determined to come west and of all
the alluring places, Washington seemed the best and accordingly he came
hither. He soon selected a homestead at the foot of Badger mountain
and engaged in farming. Later he went to the flat where Ephrata is
now built and engaged in raising stock. He now has a choice farm
three miles east from Farmer which is well improved and a comfortable rural
abode. In addition to handling his stock, and overseeing his farm,
Mr. Cunningham also has the contract of carrying the United States mail
from Coulee City to Waterville, a distance of forty-five miles. He
also keeps a road house for the accommodation of passengers and travelers.
Mr. Cunningham has displayed excellent ability in his labors and in addition
to being one of the old pioneers, he is to be accredited with being one
of the thrifty and successful men of means, who has accumulated his holding
by a wise use of the resources of the country.
At Waterville, Washington, on December 25,
1890, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cunningham and Miss Ella Owens, only
child of Edward and Amanda (Dodson) Owens, natives of Ohio and Linn county,
Oregon, respectively. The father was a pioneer in Oregon as well
as in Douglas county. Mrs. Cunningham was born in Silver City, Idaho,
on June 4, 1873. To this worthy couple there have been born five
children, named as follows; Cleland T., on November 17, 1891; Edward O.,
March 16, 1893; Margaret L., May 15, 1895; Henry J., July 31, 1896; and
William K., on July 30 1898. They were all born in Coulee City.
Mr. Cunningham is a member of the A. O. U. W. and always takes a great
interest in public measures and whatever is for the welfare of the country.
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