HUGH CUNNINGHAM
(father of James Cunningham)
(father of James Cunningham)
photo by Jim Cunningham
HUGHES-CUNNINGHAM HOME or HARLAN SPRINGS HOUSE
The historic home of Hugh Cunningham and family in Berkeley County WV is listed in the National Register. The original 2 story log house was built on a stone foundation by Isaac Hughes, a Quaker, in 1772. Hugh purchased home and 250 acres of land from Abner Hughes and Leah McKewn (Abner's mother) on December 16, 1784 for 600 pounds. This was part of the land granted to James Burwell in 1753 (Berkeley Deed Book #6, page 418). Hugh built a stone addition to the house in 1784. This land is in the Falling Waters area of Berkeley County WV south of Harlan Springs on Harlan Springs Road. You can read about the home in ARCHITECTURAL AND PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BERKELEY COUNTY VOL I. pages 110 and 111. There are photographs and a history of the home.
CLICK HERE for more info about the house
The historic home of Hugh Cunningham and family in Berkeley County WV is listed in the National Register. The original 2 story log house was built on a stone foundation by Isaac Hughes, a Quaker, in 1772. Hugh purchased home and 250 acres of land from Abner Hughes and Leah McKewn (Abner's mother) on December 16, 1784 for 600 pounds. This was part of the land granted to James Burwell in 1753 (Berkeley Deed Book #6, page 418). Hugh built a stone addition to the house in 1784. This land is in the Falling Waters area of Berkeley County WV south of Harlan Springs on Harlan Springs Road. You can read about the home in ARCHITECTURAL AND PICTORIAL HISTORY OF BERKELEY COUNTY VOL I. pages 110 and 111. There are photographs and a history of the home.
CLICK HERE for more info about the house
HUGH CUNNINGHAM
from the 1997 book
THE DESCENDANTS OF EDWARD CUNNINGHAM
revised 2016
Excerpts from
HISTORY OF THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY
Compiled by Alice Cunningham of Bellaire OH (1920?)
Hugh Cunningham was born in Paxtang Twp. Lancaster Co. Pa. in 1741. After the Revolutionary War, he served, he and many others of the people of eastern Pennsylvania emigrated, some to Virginia some to Maryland and some to the Carolinas. There is a court record in Berkeley Co. Virginia of land purchases by Hugh Cunningham from Abner Hughes 1784. The census of 1790 for Lancaster Co. does not give any of the name Cunningham excepting Patrick Cunningham, Hugh and his wife and family had emigrated to Virginia about 1784 or '85. Hugh was of Scotch-Irish ancestry as was his wife, Agnes, for she spoke with a decided accent. (Brogue) They were married in Lancaster Co. about 1761. Hugh Cunningham died in Berkeley County near to Falling Waters P.O. in 1817. His wife, Agnes, died in 1812, aged 70 years.
Here are some excerpts from
MEMORIALS OF THE FAMILY OF HUGH CUNNINGHAM, SR.
also written by Alice Cunningham
-This document was obtained from John T. Barr of Easley, SC-
Hugh Cunningham, Sr. was born of Scotch-Irish parentage, in Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1741. He was the only son, and sofar as can now be ascertained, he was the only child. His parents emigrated from Ireland. His wife, Mrs. Agnes Cunningham, was of the same ancestry. Indeed, it is probable she was a native of Ireland or Scotland, as she spoke with a marked brogue. About the year 1785 Mr. Cunningham removed to Berkeley Co., Va. His family then consisted of six sons and three daughters. A fourth daughter was born in the new home. Here Mr. and Mrs. C. continued to reside until they were transferred to the better home above. Mrs. C died in 1812, aged seventy years, and Mr. C in 1817, aged seventy-six. He was an earnest and devoted Christian, as is evident from his letters written to his children, who were scattered over Ohio. Some of these letters are still extant. In a letter written to his son, John, residing in Belmont Co. O., dated Berkeley Co. Va, October 10th, 1811, he says: "This is to inform you that we are in a middling state of health, thank God considering the infirmities of old age that seem to grow fast, for we have failed more this year than for the three or four years past, and can't expect to continue long. May God prepare us to go when the summons comes. I am glad to hear that you have got the gospel among you, and am glad to hear that you did your endeavour, and I hope God will bless you for it, and bless it to you. And for your office (probably Justice of the Peace) that you have got, I hope God will guide you to act a conscientious part, and do justly." The letter is signed "Hugh and Agnes Cunningham". Mr. C. was also a decided Presbyterian. (end of quote from "Memorials")
HISTORY OF THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY
Compiled by Alice Cunningham of Bellaire OH (1920?)
Hugh Cunningham was born in Paxtang Twp. Lancaster Co. Pa. in 1741. After the Revolutionary War, he served, he and many others of the people of eastern Pennsylvania emigrated, some to Virginia some to Maryland and some to the Carolinas. There is a court record in Berkeley Co. Virginia of land purchases by Hugh Cunningham from Abner Hughes 1784. The census of 1790 for Lancaster Co. does not give any of the name Cunningham excepting Patrick Cunningham, Hugh and his wife and family had emigrated to Virginia about 1784 or '85. Hugh was of Scotch-Irish ancestry as was his wife, Agnes, for she spoke with a decided accent. (Brogue) They were married in Lancaster Co. about 1761. Hugh Cunningham died in Berkeley County near to Falling Waters P.O. in 1817. His wife, Agnes, died in 1812, aged 70 years.
Here are some excerpts from
MEMORIALS OF THE FAMILY OF HUGH CUNNINGHAM, SR.
also written by Alice Cunningham
-This document was obtained from John T. Barr of Easley, SC-
Hugh Cunningham, Sr. was born of Scotch-Irish parentage, in Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1741. He was the only son, and sofar as can now be ascertained, he was the only child. His parents emigrated from Ireland. His wife, Mrs. Agnes Cunningham, was of the same ancestry. Indeed, it is probable she was a native of Ireland or Scotland, as she spoke with a marked brogue. About the year 1785 Mr. Cunningham removed to Berkeley Co., Va. His family then consisted of six sons and three daughters. A fourth daughter was born in the new home. Here Mr. and Mrs. C. continued to reside until they were transferred to the better home above. Mrs. C died in 1812, aged seventy years, and Mr. C in 1817, aged seventy-six. He was an earnest and devoted Christian, as is evident from his letters written to his children, who were scattered over Ohio. Some of these letters are still extant. In a letter written to his son, John, residing in Belmont Co. O., dated Berkeley Co. Va, October 10th, 1811, he says: "This is to inform you that we are in a middling state of health, thank God considering the infirmities of old age that seem to grow fast, for we have failed more this year than for the three or four years past, and can't expect to continue long. May God prepare us to go when the summons comes. I am glad to hear that you have got the gospel among you, and am glad to hear that you did your endeavour, and I hope God will bless you for it, and bless it to you. And for your office (probably Justice of the Peace) that you have got, I hope God will guide you to act a conscientious part, and do justly." The letter is signed "Hugh and Agnes Cunningham". Mr. C. was also a decided Presbyterian. (end of quote from "Memorials")
Our family line is not alone in claiming Hugh. Until I located Alice Cunningham's documents and received confirmation from the research of Betty Jane Hamner of San Antonio TX, my version of the family tree looked much different. The source of information for the early members of my line had come from COLONIAL CUNNINGHAMS OF THE VIRGINIAS (Over Fork Over) by Marjorie and Kenneth Blech and CUNNINGHAM/COSGROVE by Janet Cosgrove. Both books contain much valuable information, but our particular Cunningham line is incorrectly attached to a more prominent one. That there was some confusion is no surprise, particularly given the fact there were so many Cunninghams in close proximity with the same given name in the 1700's. In her book, ADAM AND 500 MORE CUNNINGHAMS OF THE VALLEY OF VIRGINIA, Betty Newman states, "By the 1750's there were at least nineteen distinctly separate families with the surname Cunningham living west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia."
THE PARENTS OF HUGH CUNNINGHAM
In the CUNNINGHAM/COSGROVE book, Hugh is shown as the son of Jacob Cunningham, who would have been 11 at the time. Hugh Cunningham b. 1741 d. 1820 in Kentucky. married Elizabeth ? who was killed in 1763 by Indians. Children: Thomas, James b. 1762 (our James?), a daughter b. 1763 who was scalped by indians, John, and another son who killed in an Indian raid. Another Hugh is listed: born 1744, died 1819, the son of James Cunningham. He married Martha Patten in 1759. It appears that this is actually the same Hugh Cunningham listed in the SONS OF THE REVOLUTION below. There is also another Hugh (son of Thomas) listed: born in 1748, in 1769 he married Alice Gwen Jewals in Lancaster County PA. In the SONS OF THE REVOLUTION in the State of West Virginia Bulletin (No.7 February 1925) by the West Virginia Society, Hugh Cunningham is shown as being born in Lancaster County PA about 1744 and died in Fayette County PA in 1819. This book quotes the same military records as Alice Cunningham for our Hugh. It also shows the father of Hugh Cunningham as Joseph Cunningham. (Some reliable researchers have pointed out to me that there are many glaring errors in the 1925 bulletin)
Some have written me who believe John Cunningham (b. 1700 in Massachusetts, married Ann Sinclair) is the father of Hugh. Attempting to confirm this I referred to HISTORIC HOMES AND INSTITUTIONS AND GENEALOGICAL AND PERSONAL NOTES OF WORCESTER COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS Vol. IV by Ellery Bicknell Crane. It shows a Robert Cunningham with a son named John who married Ann Sinclair in Massachusetts. This account lists the same year of birth, but says he was born in Ireland. Hugh is not shown as a son.
If we follow the traditional "Naming Theory" regarding the parentage of Hugh Cunningham, we may have some clues. Hugh's first son was named "Samuel", probably after Agnes' father. It would seem that "James" (second son) would likely be named after Hugh's father. Even if true, it does not tell us which "James" (among many candidates in the region) is his father.
In her book, Adam Cunningham and 500 More Cunninghams of the Valley of Virginia, Betty Cunningham Newman shows James Cunningham and Anna Shadwell as the parents of Hugh. This works well because:
1. James and Anna were married in 1739, Hugh was born 1741
2. He was the only son, which is consistent enough with previous information (Hugh had two sisters in this case)
3. The author says James sold his property after Hugh moved to (W)VA and...
4. The aforementioned deed says Hugh is a resident of Berkeley County
That would seem to seal the deal, but the above reference as not yet been confirmed. I searched the deeds at the Lancaster County Courthouse and was unable to find a deed with that reference.
The HISTORY OF THE HUGH CUNNINGHAM FAMILY AND THEIR HOMES by Don C Wood (Berkeley Journal Issue Five, 1976) is a well researched article and confirms the information about Hugh provided by Alice Cunningham and Betty Jane HAMNER. The article shows Agnes as the wife of Hugh and agrees on the dates/locations of birth, marriage, death, and burial. It also excerpts Hugh's will and provides a history of Hugh's property and home.
Quoting from Alice Cunningham : Hugh CUNNINGHAM was born in 1741, Paxtang Township, Lancaster County PA, and died March 25 1817 at Falling Waters (Berkeley County) (W)VA. Hugh married Agnes TUCKER (Daughter of Samuel TUCKER) June 12 1764, in Lancaster Co. PA (now Dauphin County)at the Paxtang Presbyterian Church. Agnes TUCKER was born in 1742, Lancaster County PA (prob Paxtang Twp) and she died May 12 1812 at Falling Waters (Berkeley County) (W)VA. Hugh and Agnes are buried in the Falling Waters Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Spring Mills. Hugh's gravestone says: "In memory of Hugh Cunningham who departed this life March the 25th, 1817, aged 76 years. All the days of my appointed time I will wait, till my change come. Job 14th Chap. 14th verse". Agnes was of Scots-Irish Ancestry, she spoke with a decided brogue as did her husband. (end of quote from Alice Cunningham)
Quoting from Alice Cunningham : Hugh CUNNINGHAM was born in 1741, Paxtang Township, Lancaster County PA, and died March 25 1817 at Falling Waters (Berkeley County) (W)VA. Hugh married Agnes TUCKER (Daughter of Samuel TUCKER) June 12 1764, in Lancaster Co. PA (now Dauphin County)at the Paxtang Presbyterian Church. Agnes TUCKER was born in 1742, Lancaster County PA (prob Paxtang Twp) and she died May 12 1812 at Falling Waters (Berkeley County) (W)VA. Hugh and Agnes are buried in the Falling Waters Presbyterian Church Cemetery at Spring Mills. Hugh's gravestone says: "In memory of Hugh Cunningham who departed this life March the 25th, 1817, aged 76 years. All the days of my appointed time I will wait, till my change come. Job 14th Chap. 14th verse". Agnes was of Scots-Irish Ancestry, she spoke with a decided brogue as did her husband. (end of quote from Alice Cunningham)
Children of
HUGH CUNNINGHAM (1741-1817)
and
AGNES TUCKER (1742-1812)
Samuel O CUNNINGHAM (1765-1824)
Charity SHIELDS (1772-1836) married Dec 1 1796
James CUNNINGHAM (1766-1841)
Margaret WINNING (1768-1818?) married Sep 22 1797
Elizabeth? married 1819?
Hugh CUNNNINGHAM (1768-1859)
Christina CASTNER (1783-1831) married 1799
Jane BEATTY married Sep 19 1832
John CUNNINGHAM (1771-1843)
Hannah ROBINSON (1775-1859) married Sep 17 1795
William CUNNINGHAM (1773-1773)
Virginia Ellen MCKENZIE (1860-1903) married Sep 14 1880 Wood County WV
Sarah CUNNINGHAM (1775-1857)
Samuel HARPER (1766-1855) married Apr 17 1793
William D CUNNINGHAM (1778-1859)
Nancy LONG (1779-1847) married Dec 26 1805
Robert CUNNINGHAM (1780-1813)
Nancy (Agnes) WINNING (b. abt 1775) married Jun 21 1798
Agnes (Nancy) CUNNINGHAM (1782-1859)
Daniel ROBERTS (1779-1861) married Dec 4 1802
Rosannah CUNNINGHAM (1784-1864)
William DUFFIELD (d. 1823?) married Oct 22 1804
Mary CUNNINGHAM (1788-1871)
Davis SHIELDS married Apr 20 1808
HUGH CUNNINGHAM (1741-1817)
and
AGNES TUCKER (1742-1812)
Samuel O CUNNINGHAM (1765-1824)
Charity SHIELDS (1772-1836) married Dec 1 1796
James CUNNINGHAM (1766-1841)
Margaret WINNING (1768-1818?) married Sep 22 1797
Elizabeth? married 1819?
Hugh CUNNNINGHAM (1768-1859)
Christina CASTNER (1783-1831) married 1799
Jane BEATTY married Sep 19 1832
John CUNNINGHAM (1771-1843)
Hannah ROBINSON (1775-1859) married Sep 17 1795
William CUNNINGHAM (1773-1773)
Virginia Ellen MCKENZIE (1860-1903) married Sep 14 1880 Wood County WV
Sarah CUNNINGHAM (1775-1857)
Samuel HARPER (1766-1855) married Apr 17 1793
William D CUNNINGHAM (1778-1859)
Nancy LONG (1779-1847) married Dec 26 1805
Robert CUNNINGHAM (1780-1813)
Nancy (Agnes) WINNING (b. abt 1775) married Jun 21 1798
Agnes (Nancy) CUNNINGHAM (1782-1859)
Daniel ROBERTS (1779-1861) married Dec 4 1802
Rosannah CUNNINGHAM (1784-1864)
William DUFFIELD (d. 1823?) married Oct 22 1804
Mary CUNNINGHAM (1788-1871)
Davis SHIELDS married Apr 20 1808
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