Cunningham - Elma Cox
ELMA COX CUNNINGHAM
Source: Darlington Herald Thursday, December 20, 1923
Sadness entered many homes in Darlington Tuesday when it became known that Mrs. Elma Cunningham, one of the oldest and best loved women of the town, had passed away early that morning. Although she had not been in her usual health for several months and had seemed to be very frail her death came as a shock to her family and friends. Sunday afternoon she went with her daughter, Mrs. James Peterson to the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Welty in Crawfordsville and was in Crawfordsville again Monday afternoon to consult a physician. She had expected to spend a few days with her daughter, Mrs. Welty, but did not feel quite so well and decided to come home instead. When she retired Monday night she seemed as well as she had been for some time and except for a slight atack of coughing rested well. Tuesday morning soon after six her son, Rueben Cunningham who lived with her, heard her make a sound and on going to her bedside found she had just passed away. Mrs. Cunningham was the daughter of Elijah and Nancy Cox and was born on the old home farm one and one half miles south west of Darlington, 83 years ago December 12. She is the last of a family of 8 children. On April 3, 1860, she was united in marriage to Cyrus Cunningham, who passed away Jan 11, 1921 after an illness of four days. They were the parents of 9 children. Two died in infancy and two died close together from diphtheria. Those who survive aer Mrs. Cornelia Welty of Crawfordsville; Rueben Cunningham of Darlington, Spurgeon Cunningham of Cuyhoga Falls, Oio, Paul Cunningham of Peru and Mrs. jessie Peterson of Darlington. She is also survived by 3 grandsons and one granddaughter. Mrs. Cunningham came with her husband and family to Darlington 51 years ago and during the many years of her residence here lived on the same home site. On April 3, 1920, she and Mr. Cunningham celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and were remembered at that time with many letters and gifts from friends away from here and calls from friends in this community. For many years she had been a member of the Presbyterian Church and was always a faithful attendant at its service. She was a charter member of the Woman's Home Missionary Society of her church and up to the very last was interested in its work and took an active part in the meetings. Although old in years, she was young in spirit, always happy and joyful; always seeing the bright side of life's problems and looking with steadfast faith toward the Heavenly Home to which she has now passed. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Wm. Dana Cole officiating. Burial will be made in the IOOF Cemetery. - thanks to my new pals and hard-working genealogists, Sharen & Pam :) - kbz