The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-08-24

most distinguished of the State on both
sides. On the Cunningham side they are
descended from the Cunninghams of
Scotland, the family having settled in
Virginia in about ITO, but retaining
the fine characteristics of the Scotch
type Col Cunningham's grandfather
was a wholesale merchant and importer.
dealing largely in tobacco, in Petersburg.
Virginia, where the Hon. John W. Cum
ningham was born. The latter's father,
in 1876, established branch store in
Person county, North Carolina, at what
is now known as Cunningham Store. .
and this mercantile establishment has
ever since been maintained, it being the
Oldest business house kept up in I'M
broken succession by the same family in
North Carolina. The founder of "Cun-
ningham's Store" Alexander Cunning
ham. was also in public life, being q
member of the State Senate in 1911
Col. Cunningham's mother was Miss
Helen Somerville of Warrenton, North
Carolina. descended from an English
family. whose members settled first in
Virginia and later moved to North Caro-
lima. 1t is needless to mention that Col.
Cunningham received in his youth all
home. He received his preparatory edu-
cation at Horner's Military Academy at
HiIlsboro. and Bingham's School at Me-
bane. After thorough course at those
famous old schools, he matriculated at
the University of North Carolina in
1879, and there completed his educa-
ton. He entered upon the activities of
life admirably prepared, possessing large
wealth. with Il wide circle of friends,
and inheriting a name that was the
synonym of honor, courtesy and liberal
hospitality throughout the State. To
these he united quick intelligence
pleasing manners and an agreeable ad-
dress. He might well have chosen a
road to fame through the portals of a
professional career, or have entered into
the alluring walks of political life. But
with discretion and wisdom he resisted
such inclinations. and has chosen to
serve his State by advancing her agri-
cultural interests and setting an example
Of successful farming. which all can fol-
low to their advantage. He takes a
pride in agriculture. and devotes himself
induStriously to the care of his large
property, seeking with diligence to make
his farming operations continued sue
cess. and inaugurating Improvements
and improved methods of culture as ex-
pericnce justifies Thus he promotes the
agricultural interests of the State and
advances the prosperity of the farming
element. His management indeed If
fords ample proof of what steady appli-
cation and mremitting industry viii nc
complish when joined TO fine executive
ability and love for the vocation Of cncs
choice.
But although strictly pursuing the bus
mess Of farming, Col. Cunningham has
exhibited on suitable occasions great in-
terest in public matters and zeal for the
success OF the Democratic party, of
which he is Il leading member in his
section Of the State, and a more pro-
nounced and unfinching Democrat it
would be hard to find. However. he is
a man of conservative views, and tries
to do always what is just and right
in all his acts. His earnestness has been
displayed not merely by his personal
exertions, but advice and canyasses, but
by liberal contributions of money, and
among Democrats of his county, Person,
he exerts there a powerful influence. As
4 public speaker, Col. Cunningham is
easy and graceful. speaking directly to
the point and presenting his ideas forci-
bly,, without any attempt at artificial eff
feet. beyond the excellence of the senti-
ments expressed ard purity of diction, so
that the humblest capacity can eompre-
bend his points. In particular did his
address at Oxford, North Carolina,
April 18th 1888, upon the completion
of the Oxford and GAINESVILLE Railroad,
win him praise and enconiums. On
February 2nd, 1888. there was held at
Danville. Va, the Inter-S State Farmers
Convention, and of that large assembly
of prominent agriculturalists. Col. Cum
ningham was elected the president, and
he presided with admirable force over
the deliberations of the body. As a
presiding officer, he is rapid fair and inn
partial, and, while Fastening business
TO an end courteous and pleasant to
the members of the body. Evidently he
has learned the rule. that he who would
rule others we'll, must first learn to gov
ern himself.
He was one Of the Commissioners to
the Paris Exposition in 1889, and spent
some time in attendance at that great
exposition. During the same trip TO
EtIrODe, he Travelled through France,
England. Scotland and Ireland, and
availed himself of the opportunity to
compare the condition Of those European
peoples with that of his own country
men, coming to the conclusion that. in
all essentials, Americans were the best
people in the world He is at the pres
emit time one of the members appointed
by the Speaker OF the House to attend
the Paris Exposition in 1900, and is
chairman of the board Of commissioners.
COL Cunningham has served the peo-
pie of his State in a great many capaci-
ties ever since 1876. As a mere youth
he took very active part in the Vance
campaign. He has been chairman of the
Democratic executive of Person county
for some years. At the opening of the
campaign of 1883 some OF his friends
brought his name forward for the posi-
ton Of ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS of the
State. but although not seeking such
political honors at this time, he partici-
pated actively in the canvas, and contri-
buted largely to securing a fine vote for
Governor Fowle in his section. As n
compliment Governor Fowle. upon his III
auguration. invited him to become the
senior member of his staff with the rank
of colonel, and in that capacity he has
Mt various times attended the Governor
of the State upon important occasions.