The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-02-06
Mr.. and MRS VIM. /. CUNNINGHAM.
In Life United, in Death
Not Divided.
THIS AGED COUPLE PASSED AWAY
WEDNESDAY MoRNINe-THE
FUNERAL, ETC.

The deaths of Mr.. VIM II. Cunningham
and Mrs. Anne Emmeline Cunningham,
which occurred at their late residence ON
Main street, early yesterday morning,
brought deep sorrow To this community
and inconsolable grieito happy family
United in holy bonds OF wedlock nifty
years ago. and loving companions
through the changing scenes and condi-
tions OF half a century, they are not sep
arated in the closing hours ollie. Mrs.Cun-
ningham died at l2:lO o'clock yesterday
morning, in the Slst year OF her age, and
Mr.. Cunningham died five hours and
twenty minutes later, nj J.:IO o'clock, IN
the SIND year of his age
Two children. Mrs C. W. Jones and
Miss Lucy Cunningham. both of this city,
survive the aged couple.
Mr.. William Henry Cunningham was
born in JefiersOnton, Culpeper county,
Va December 18th. 1870, commenced
the dry goods business in Fredericks
burg. in 1917, and continued II with the
exception of the four years OF the Ciyil
war, until 1892. Since that time he was
engaged in the same business, "A few
wears. with his sisters, Misses Jane and
Mary Cunningham, and afterwards with
his son-in. law. Mr.. e. W. Jones. until his
last sickness. Mr.. Cunningham was "A
man of strict integrity, OF undOubted
piety. and enjoyed the confidence and ~
teen of all who knew him He was a
publcsp spirited citizen. yet his delicate
constitution deprived him OF the privi-
leee Of taking very prominent part in
public affairs lie served a. member
of the City Council for several years, and
suggested and assisted in carrying Tor
ward considerable public improvements.
IL was mainly through his influence and
labors that our city was furnished with
lamp posts and was lighted with gas al
ter the war This was a great improve
ment for which he received the thanks OF
the community.
Mr.. Cunningham was member OF the
Baptist church for perhaps more than
sixty years, and was always active in all
departments OF church work. Soon after
the war he was elected clerk of the
church. which responsible position he
held for nearly eight years, and untiliall-
ure ofeye sight compelled him To resign,
yet his activity as Christian did not
cease He continued his work as a mem
Der of the Finance Committee, and To
which his brethren soon added the honor
able position and delicate duties of dea-
con. which position he held at the time
of his death Ne was also "A worker in
the Sunday School. where he served
many years as secretary. Thus ends "A
IL l. - ftI "a nj A IA,
thought from his delicate frame and
constitution. would end before he had
reached a score and half Of years.
Mrs Cunningham was Miss Anne En-
incline Coleman, aud was born IN Thar
lottesyille. but spent most of her time.
prior to her marriage in Richmond. She
" a. an amiable lady Of cheerful dispo-
sition. and was much beloved by host
of friends She was a consistent and
active member OF the Baptist church for
more than fifty years. and testified To
her devotion and conservation To her
Master in a public meeting of her sisters
lust before her recent sickness, having
read an interesting paper to the Ladies
Missionary Society OF which she was a
member
Friends and relatives Of the departed
can console themselves with the assur-
ance that they do not mourn NJ Others
who have no hope of the better life be
yond. These departed friends lived the
life of the Christian and died the death OF
the righteous, therefore they shall receive
the promised crown and the rest that
remaineth 20 the people OF God. They
come to their grave in full age. like a.
a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
Funeral for both will be held from the
Baptist church this, Thursday evening at
1880 o'clock. Revs DR. J ;. Dill and DR..
+. s. Runaway will conduct the services,
and the interment will be made in the
family lot in the City Cemetery.
The pall-bearers are: Active. for Mr.
Cunningham. +. r. Baker. j. X Raw
lings. $. T.. Eastburn. Jas. n. Turner. d..
e. Cole. Capt. S. j. Qninn; Honorary, j.
II. Myer. Geo s. Davis, DR. II. NJ. d. Mar
tin, II W. Willinbucher. Active, Tor Mrs.
Cunningham. j. C. Willis, W. 5. Chesley
W. l.. Burruss, Dr. }. +. TOmpkins, j.
p. Rowe. b. +. Willis; Honorary, b. d.
Cole. W. L. Bradley, f. c. Ninde, John A.
Harris
As a mark OF respect to the memory OF
Mr. W. II. Cunningham, who was the
oldest man connected with the dry goods
business here, the proprietors OF the dry
goods stores of the city will unite in clos
ing their places of business during the
hours OF the funeral OF Mr. and Mrs. Cun-
ningham, and with their employees at
tend the services.