Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1912-08-09
Death Of John B. Cunningham.


loved so well, my good friend, big
hearted John Cunningham, sank to rest
in the Touro Infirmary, New Orleans,
La at 4 o o'clock Nv ednesday evening. He
had suffered great deal for a good long
time. and about month ago left home
for Livingston, Ala, hoping that the
water from the we'll there would bene-
fit him, but finding no relief. ne went
to New Orleans to consult specialist.
They were undecided rs to his trouble,
and rather opposed an operation, but
the brave old soldier told them to oper-
ate and find out what was the matter,
After giving his beloved son, Will some
instructions about his estate, and max
ing some substantial bequests to his
faithful old servants, he told them that
he was ready, and without a tremor,
placed himself on the operating table,
He stood the operation well and rallied
from it and became his cheerful self
again. Afew days after the operation he
told his son Gus, to go home and fatten
up his dogs as he would soon be at
home and wanted another fox chase.
We all felt so happy at the thought
of having him with us again. He i'm
proved so much that his faithful wife,
who had been with him through it all,
was persuaded to return home and get
a much needed rest, and the end came,
before she could return and be with him
at the last. We were all going to
give him royal welcome. but alas this
was not to be.
A few days age he became so much
worse, and got weaker each hour. until
the end came, dying as peacefully as an
infant falling to sleep on its mothers
breast.
John B. Cunningham was born Octo
Der 9th, 1888, in Georgia, but moved to
Noxubee county when quite young. His
father died when he was only sixteen
years of age, and the care OF the family
fell on him and he was father indeed
to all Of his brothers and sisters as long
as he lived. In May 1862 he married
, Miss Linda Gibson, of Tennessee, who
for thirty years was a. beloved compan-
ion and aided him very materially IN
building up a splendid estate. This
union was blessed with seven children
who'lived 70 be grown. His Oldest IN,
John. died Just about the time he ar
rived at the age of manhood. He was
bright, handsome man, and no doubt
would have reflected honor on his pa
rents had he lived. He left three
daughters, Addie, wife of our sheriff,
Emmett Dantzler, Mrs. Jennie Patty
and Linda, now Mrs J. A. Ewing.
Three sons, Will, Sam and Gus. All
good and substantial citizens and an
honor to the county and the parents
who raised them so we'll. His first
wife died in 1895 and as all of his chill
dren were grown and feeling the need
of companion. in March 1897 he mar
ried Mrs. Matte Dantzler, who added
greatly to his comfort and pleasure.
She was a faithful wife to him. and a
true mother to his children and grand
children. He leaves also two brothers,
Sam and A. G. Cunningham, both of
this county and one sister, Mrs. May of
Lexington, KY. After his. father died
his mother removed to Alabama. and
he was living there when the war came
on and joined an Alabama cavalry reg
iment, and served throughout the war
under General Forrest. | never heard
John Cunningham, boast of his war re-
cord, but all who knew him, know he
made good and faithful soldier, a
cheerful companion and beloved mess
mate. He was one of the most kind
hearted, most generous men | ever
knew. For forty years he was my
friend, and during the whole of that
time nothing ever marred our friend
ship, Some thirty years ago | moved
in the Cliftonvlle neighborhood, and
tnat year we built little church and
named it New Bethel and John was a
charter member and up to his death
gave it his liberal support. 1t was a
union church and John was about as
loyal to one branch as to the Other.
Our minister, Rev. j. l.. Cooper. said
he could always connt on Sister Cavett
and Brother John Cunningham, attend
ing service. He is about the last Of
the men who organized this little
church. which has done SO much for that
neighborhood. and will be sadly missed
bv It's members. For years the neigh
bors had made him magistrate and he
settled all disputes, between both white
and black. All were his friends and
none were ever turned away frorh his
hospitable home empty handed.
he true philosopher. He never
complained of any thing chat he could not
help. He taught US how to live to en-
joy life. Always cheerful, ever opto-
mlstic. He brought sunshine where
ever he went.
Having reared his family and having
a competency he delighted in entertain
ing MS friends and indulging in the old
southern sport, riding to the lnds
and although he was nearly Eighty
years of age, he rode after the hounds
like young man. He moved back to
Noxubee County in '69. and was here to
join US in helping to rid the county of