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Below is a family biography included in The History of Perry County, Indiana published by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co. in 1885.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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JESSE CUNNINGHAM, whose birth occurred June 21, 1836, is a native of this county and one of the following children born to Alexander and Nancy (Archibald) Cunningham: John K., William (deceased), Charles A. (deceased), Susan (who married Rev. Simon Van Winkle), Mary (now Mrs. Rev. J. K. Haskins), Sarah (who wedded Rev. J. C. Van Winkle), Nancy (now Mrs. Alonzo Hicks), Amanda J. (now Mrs. Solomon Mitchell), and Jesse, the latter being the fourth son. The parents were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, were married near Vincennes, Ind., and settled in Clark Township, this county. They soon (1838) located in Oil Township where they lived until their respective deaths. They were Baptists, and the father served as justice of the peace, and was captain of the State militia for many years. Our subject remained with his parents until their deaths and is yet on the old farm. February 18, 1858, he married Martha E., daughter of Thomas J. C. and Sarah (Nix) Bradshaw, and to this union two children have been born as follows: Sarah A. and Nancy J. (deceased). Mrs. Cunningham died October 3, 1863, and February 18, 1866, he married Louisa, daughter of William and Lydia (Crist) Hicks. They have had three children: John William, Carmi S. and an infant (deceased). His second wife died April 20, 1873, and March 6, 1881, he married Mrs. Lavina (Lay) Cissel, who has borne him two children: Jesse L. (deceased) and Norman W. Mr. Cunningham is a farmer and a blacksmith, owning 300 acres. He is a Democrat, has been trustee and county appraiser, has been in county and state conventions and is prominent in the Baptist Church.

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This family biography is one of 257 biographies included in The History of Perry County, Indiana portion of the book: History of Warrick, Spencer and Perry Counties Indiana published in 1885 by Goodspeed, Bros. & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Perry County, Indiana History and Genealogy

View additional Perry County, Indiana family biographies here: Perry County, Indiana Biographies

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