My Genealogy Hound

George G. Cunningham, one of the old and prominent merchants of Lamar, was born in Washington County, Tenn., August 4, 1839, received his education in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-one began farming for himself. Toward the close of the war he served a year in Company L, Sixteenth Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, U. S A., and in 1866 came to Lamar with Dr. J. W. Wade, opened a drug store, and has been engaged in this business ever since. He is now sole proprietor of one of the largest drug stores in Lamar, and is one of the leading business men of the place. He was married, March 27, 1876, to Miss Helen J. McArthur, a native of Canada. They have three children: Vida, George G. and Zada. Mr. Cunningham is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Democrat in his political opinions. He owns the building in which he does business, and has made the most of his property by his own exertions. He is the fifth of twelve children, ten now living, born to James and Rebecca (Billingsly) Cunningham, both natives of East Tennessee, and both of Irish descent. They moved from their native State to Barren County, Ky., and in 1859 came to Laclede County, Mo., where they remained for some time, and then moved to Polk County. Here the father died in 1888. He was a farmer by occupation, and he and wife were members of the Baptist Church. He was a Democrat in politics. Mrs. Cunningham is still living, and is about seventy-two years old.