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Below is a family biography included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published by Mills & Company in 1883.  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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L. P. CUNNINGHAM, attorney at law, Joplin, was born in Wheeling, West Va., Jan. 15, 1845. His parents, Dr. John P. and Elizabeth (McCune) Cunningham, were natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born in Allegheny county May 1, 1817, now a practicioner of this city. His mother was born in Washington county in January 1817; died Aug. 22, 1882, in Joplin. When our subject was eight years of age his parents moved to Moundville, same state, where they remained two years; they then went to Illinois, locating in Iroquois county. Subject was educated in the common schools and the high school at Middleport, Illinois. When fifteen years of age he commenced to learn the trade of printing and for four years following engaged at trade in different cities. Commenced the study of law at Middleport, but discontinued shortly after; came west to Missouri and resumed his studies at Rockport, this state; was admitted to the bar at Platte City, Mo., in Dec, 1864, before Hon. Wm. Heren. Judge of the 12th Mo. Judicial Circuit. Was enrolled there as an attorney and engaged in the practice of his profession until 1866. In August of that year he came to Carthage and in April, 1877, to Joplin. Since then he has made this city his home. In July, 1871, the Memphis, Carthage, and Northwestern Railroad Co. was organized and our subject was chosen president and remained so until Jan. 10, 1874, when he resigned. At that time the road was purchased by the Atlantic and Pacific, now the St. Louis and San Francisco. Mr. Cunningham is a man of energy, enterprise and excellent business qualifications He is interested largely in mining operations at Short Creek, Skeeterville, and elsewhere; also in the Joplin Water-works and other matters of public importance. He and his estimable wife have a very pleasant home on corner Fifth Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, surrounded with a wide circle of friends.

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This family biography is one of more than 1,000 biographies included in The History of Jasper County, Missouri published in 1883.  For the complete description, click here: Jasper County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Jasper County, Missouri family biographies here: Jasper County, Missouri Biographies

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