Biographies and Obituaries
In loving memory
Michael Cunningham
Death of Barr Township's Wealthiest and Next Prominent Farmer
Michael Cunningham, of Barr Township died last Monday night of general debility and pain trouble, after a lingering illness. The funeral took place Wednesday at 9:30 o'clock a.m.
Michael Cunningham was one of the leading and wealthiest farmers in Daviess County. He was seventy-three years of age, his birth having occurred in Ireland in 1814. His mother died in 1820 and his father ten years later, leaving Michael and a sister two years younger than him. At sixteen years of age Michael began "working for himself" and received for his services the sum of five dollars per year. He was frugal, however, and by 1836 he and his sister had saved enough money to enable them to take passage in the ship "Southerner" for the Unites States. They arrived in New York with less than five dollars in money, but soon obtained work, Mr. Cunningham at digging cellars. From New York, he went to Providence, R.I., Mobile, Louisville and other points and worked several years on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1840 he visited Daviess county and purchased some land, coming here three years later to live. Daviess county was his home from that time, and he accumulated property in the county that is valued at $100,000. In 1843 he married Julia Anna Shircliff, daughter of John Shircliff and them were born eight children - two daughters and six sons, all of whom, with their mother are living. Mr. Cunningham , as are all the members of his family was a devout member of the Catholic Church. He was a Democrat in politics and was one of the first tax payers in the county. Michael Cunningham was an excellent citizen and lived a long and busy life of usefulness.
Contributed by: Lisa OSullivan