The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-04

heard him refer to his first political campaign. In March, 1881, he was appointed physician for the state penltentiary at wetumpka, Ala. for a ! term of four years. 1t was during this period that he was associated with and formed the acquaintance of the late lamented Senator Bankhead, who was warden of the penitentiary during this period. This association ripened into a warm. intimate and lifelong friendship. Some years ago, when Senator Bankhead was III with pneumonia, he called for his life long friend, Cunningham, who went to his bedside and remained with him until he was well on the roao to re- covery.
 After spending two years at We tumpka, he moved to Pratt q = where he was appointed prison phS sician for the Tennessee coal Iron and Railroad company, where he served with notable ability for a number of years and later was ap- pointed physician in chief for the Tennessee Coal and Iron company, and for several other corporations in the Ensley district. It was In this capacity that he achieved his greatest professional success, and was greatly beloved by the officials as well as all of the employees. In order to be equipped to take proper care of the large number of em- rloyes he built and equipped pri- vate hospital at Ensley, which he | conducted with eminent success for later elected health officer for the city of Bir- mingham and served in that capae- ity for several years and rendered efficient service.
 When the Birmingham Medical col lege was organized in 1894 he was one of the founders of that insti- tuition. and was elected professor of the principles of practice of medicine, and served that institution with sig nal ability until he retired in 1912. As teacher of medicine he was thorough, and was with all one of the best teachers we have ever known. At his lecture hour the room was always crowded and it was delightful treat to hear him enunciate the principles and practice of medicine. He was not only thor oughly familiar with all the latest Advances in scientific medicine, but possessed a fine sense of humor, hls lectures sparkling with witticisms, which made them very entertain irg. As a physician he was held in the highest esteem by his profess sional brethren, not only in his own county and state, but also in the other states where he was we'll known. He was one of the most popular medical men in his beloved southland. He was president of the Jefferson Medical society and of the Medical association of the state of Alabama, and later a member of the state board of health and president of the ri-State Medical society of Alabama. Georgia and Tennessee.
 In all these positions he gave faith ful and efficient service which was marked by fine executive ability
 His death has removed from life's activities one of the most notable men in Alabama, who rose from ob- scurity to high position and influ- ence in professional, political. relig- ious and social life of the state, and was loved and admired wherever he lived and labored Personally he was one of the most attractive and com panionable of men which it has ever been our pleasure to meet. He was man of strict and rugged integrity genial and happy in his disposition and deservedly popular among all classes. He was devoted to politics from early manhood, and was life long democrat, always fearless in de- fense of the principles of his party. He was elected to many positions of honor and trust in his native state. He was elected to the state senate from Jefferson county in 1896, and in 1898 was elected president of that body. It was while filling this posi- ton that he cast the deciding vote which killed the osteopath bill. He was member of the constitutional convention in 1901, and in 1902 was elected lieutenant governor of Ala bama under the new constitution and acted as governor during the absence of Gov. W. D. Jelks from the state on account of illness. In all matters pertaining to his official duties he was always capable and strictly hon. est. As public speaker in political campaigns, in the halls of legislation. in medical meetings and in fraternal bodies he had few equals and was one of the most entertaining and ready debaters in his native state.
 In fraternal circles. he was hon. ored by election to all of the highest positions within the gift of his fra ternal brethren. He was a thirty second degree Mason. and filled all the high and responsible positions in Masonry and was one of the most beloved members of that order
 In August, 1878, he married Miss Sue L. Moore, daughter of Judge James F. Moore of Franklin county, Alabama. Of this union, he had one son, Dr. Modie F. Cunningham. who survives him. Ills first wife lied in 1912. Tn the fall of 1913 he married Miss Annice Taylor, and from this union two sons were born, who sur vive him. Benjamin Taylor. Jr., and R. M. Cunningham Jr.
 man of brilliant intellect and lofty ideals, he will be sadly missed in this state, not only by his profes- sional brethren who were devoted to him. but also by his many friends throughout the state. who loved him Tor his many fine traits of character.
 Let us, the members of the Jeffer- soun County Medical society, en- shrine his memory in our hearts.
 B. l.. VIVIAN, NJ D.
 H. S. WARD, M. D.