William H. CUNNINGHAM b. 1846

William H. Cunningham, superintendent of the Forest cemetery of Oskaloosa, is a native of Prince Edward county, Ontario, born December 10, 1846, and a son of Daniel and Charlotte (McDonald) Cunningham, who were likewise natives of Ontario and there remained until called to their final rest. In their family were three daughters and a son, who are yet living namely: Hannah E.; Phebe Jane, who is then widow of William Vermilyea, a resident of Oskaloosa; Sarah A., the deceased wife of Dexter Maston; and William H. In his home neighborhood William H. Cunningham acquired his education and upon the farm was reared, early becoming familiar with the arduous duties of the fields. He arrived in Oskaloosa in 1865 and here learned the marble trade, which he followed for more than twenty years. During that long period he was employed at different times in Hamilton, Ontario, Cobleskill and Coxsackie, New York, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, returning to Oskaloosa in 1875. Here for twelve years he was in the employ of F. W. McCall and then went to Council Bluffs, where he remained for a short period, after which he returned to Oskaloosa and was with Mr. McCall until he became superintendent of Forest cemetery on the 15th of November, 1886. He still fills this position and has done much for the improvement of the cemetery grounds, working along economical lines that are very productive of excellent results. This developed his latent powers for landscape gardening and he has greatly improved and beautified the cemetery. In 1867 Mr. Cunningham was married to Miss Ruth A. Garratt, a daughter of F. R. and Sarah M. Garratt, of Prince Edward county, Ontario. She died March 1, 1905, at the age of fifty-four years, leaving a husband and two sons, Ernest A. and Clarence E., both of Oskaloosa. The former was married in 1893 to Mary J. Foster, a daughter of H. and Mary Foster, and their children are Meryl A., Wilfred D., Mildred C. and E. Arthur. Clarence E. Cunningham wedded Clara Miller and their children are Marie and Evert. Mr. Cunningham is a member of Tri Luminar lodge, No. 18, A. F. & A. M.; Hiram chapter, No. 6, R. A. M., De Payens commandery, No. 7, K. T. and the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He also belongs to the First Episcopal church and politically is a republican. He is a man of generous impulses, kindly traits of character, of fine personal qualifications and good judgment. In his present position he has given eminent satisfaction and he has won during the long years of his residence in Oskaloosa the respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

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from Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa by Manoah Hedge The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1906

Past and Present of Mahaska County, Iowa

Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy

Iowa Genealogy

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