Baptized by James McBride, confirmed 11 October 1863.
He is married to Elizabeth Hood.
They got married on December 31, 1877 at Fauldhouse, West Lothian, Scotland.Source 3
Child(ren):
1. Witness at death is Mrs John Cunningham. Elizabeth Hood Cunningham died in 1884 age 26.
John may have remarried.
2. 1863
6 Oct 1863, Crofthead, Linlithgow, Scotland. John, age 11, was baptized by James McBride, confirmed 11 October 1863. His brother James, age 9, was baptized at the same time. His father James, was baptized four months previously on 15 June 1863. [Scotland Mission Records No. 14516 F Scot 17 Pt 2]
John S Cunningham | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1877 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elizabeth Hood | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Record for John Cunningham
Name: John Cunningham
Age: 29
Estimated birth year: abt 1852
Relationship: Head
Spouse's name: Elizabeth Cunningham
Gender: Male
Where born: Cowsland, Cousland, Midlothian
Registration Number: 589
Registration district: Dreghorn
Civil Parish: Dreghorn
County: Ayrshire
Address: 25 Six Rows
Occupation: Coal Miner
ED: 3
Household schedule number: 64
Line: 1
Roll: CSSCT1881_184
Household Members:
Name Age
John Cunningham 29
Elizabeth Cunningham 23
Peter Cunningham 3
Jessie Cunningham 2
Mary Cunningham 8 Mo
Wm C McGregor 47 Visitor, Missionary (Latterday Saints)
Personal History of John “S” Cunningham
17 Jan 1852
John Cunningham, son of James and Janet (Jessie) Syme Cunningham, was born at Cousland Parish, Cranston, Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the seventh of fourteen children. His oldest brother, Thomas Syme, named from his paternal grandfather Thomas Cunningham, born 15 Mar 1842, chr. 4 Apr 1841, was 9 years and 10 months older than John. His second brother, George William, named from his maternal grandfather, George Syme, born 14 Dec 1843, chr. 3 Mar 1844, was 8 years and 11 months older than John. His first sister, Susan, was born 12 Nov 1845 at Elphingstone, Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland. She died the following month, 21 Dec. His next sister, Helen or Ellen was born 20 Oct 1848 at Elpingstone, Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland. Next child in the family, William, was born 29 Oct 1849 at Stabbhills, Borthwick Midlothian,Edinburgh. Then John was born on 17 January 1852. Birth - Scotland Mission Records No. 14516 F Scot 17 Pt 2]
Seven other children after John were born to this family; James, Janet or Jessie, Beatrice, Susan, Agnes, Andrew and Margaret or Maggie.
Places and dates where the James and Janet Syme Cunningham family lived. James occupation was miner.
1841 – Temple, Midlothian, Scotland
1842 – Stobhills, Midlothian, Scotland
1843 – Cousland, Cranston, Midlothian, Scotland
1845 – 1848 Elphingstone, Tranent, East Lothian, Scotland
1849 – Stobhills, Borthwick, Midlothian, Scotland
1852 – Cousland, Cranston, Midlothian, Scotland
1854 – Portseaton, Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland
1855 - Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
1856 - Armadale, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland,
1857 - Easter Town, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland
1861 - Fisherrow, Inveresk, Midlothian, Scotland.
1863
6 Oct 1863, Crofthead, Linlithgow, Scotland. John, age 11, was baptized by James McBride, confirmed 11 October 1863. His brother James, age 9, was baptized at the same time. His father James, was baptized four months previously on 15 June 1863. [Scotland Mission Records No. 14516 F Scot 17 Pt 2]
1864
15 May 1864, Father, James died at the Haywood Colliery (coal mine) Carnwath, Lanark, Scotland. [Death Certificate]
19 Aug 1864 Janet/Jessie Syme Cunningham, widow of James, married David Juner. [Marriage cert.]
1876
10 May 1876, at 11 a.m. at Ronalds Close, Fisherrow, District of Inveresk and Musselburgh, county of Edinburgh, Scotland, at the age of 50, John’s mother, Janet Syme Cunningham Juner, died. Case and duration of Disease was Asthma, 20 days, as certified by Surgeon John Y. Pithie. Death certificate no. 72 signed by David Juner, widower and stepfather of John.
[Death Certificate]
1877
31 Dec 1877, John, age 25, married Elizabeth Hood, at East Benhar, Fauldhouse West Linlithgow., Scotland. Elizabeth had a son, Peter Neil Hood. He was born 9 Oct 1877 at East Benhar, Fauldhouse, West Linlithgow. [Marriage Certificate]
1879
22 Jan 1879, daughter Jessie Sym, named from paternal grandmother Jessie Syme Cunningham, was born at Kirkland Row, Dreghorn, Ayr, Scotland.
[Birth Certificate]
1880
3 Aug 1880 –Warwickhill Rows, Dreghorn, Ayr, Scotland
Daughter Mary Neil Hood was born to John and wife, Elizabeth Hood at Warwickhill Rows, Dreghorn, Ayr, Scotland. She was named from her maternal grandmother, Mary Neil Hood. [Birth Certificate]
1881
17 April 1881 – John, alone, immigrated to America, sailing on the ship “S.S.Wyoming”.
A Compilation of General Voyage Notes.
“Sunday, 17 Apr 1881…The steamship “S.S. Wyoming” of the Guion Line sailed from Liverpool, England with 186 Saints, in charge of David C. Dunbar. The company arrived at New York, April 26th. Sailing time 10 days.
Letter From David C. Dunbar and James H. Wallis – April 17, 1881
S.S. Wyoming, off Queenstown, April 17, 1881
Dear President Albert Carrington.
Dear Brother,--After leaving Liverpool at 11:30, Saturday morning, the welfare of the Saints and their general comfort and happiness, were looked after. The Saints have been divided into two wards, with faithful and diligent elders appointed to see after their well-being. Brother W. W. Jackson has been sustained as chaplain, and Brother James Lowe as captain of the guard. Elder Oscar F. Hunter is assisting President David C. Dunbar in his position, and all things are working together for the good of the people. At the instance of President Dunbar, a meeting was held on Saturday evening, to counsel and advise the Saints in the manner of their conduct and procedure during the journey. Valuable instruction was given by President Dunbar; and Elders Hunter and Jackson, and the spirit of the Lord rested upon the people. The Saints meet for prayers at 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., and are striving to be happy and comfortable. We are sailing along very nicely, with no sickness up to the present. We expect to reach Queenstown at 5 a.m.
Praying the choicest blessings to rest upon you and all his scattered people, that they may be speedily gathered, we remain. Your brethren in the gospel,
David C. Dunbar, president, James H. Wallis, clerk.
Letter from David C. Dunbar and James H. Wallis – New York, April 26, 1881
President A. Carrington.
Dear Brother,--After leaving Queenstown at 9 o’clock on Sunday morning, the 17th instant, we had very fine weather up till Wednesday afternoon, making good time with fair wind and smooth sea, the sun also being our welcome and pleasant companion. On Wednesday afternoon, however, head winds set in, and, as a consequence, we encountered heavy seas, the vessel rolling and pitching considerably. of course this necessarily occasioned considerable seasickness on board, and most of the Saints confined themselves to their berths; but this did not last long. On Saturday morning the wind changed and the sea became more calm, and, as a result, the Saints appeared more frequently on deck, and with much more pleasant countenances.
Their general health has been and is good, but it is our sad duty to report one death – that of brother William Bailey, from the Tupton Branch of the Sheffield Conference, who died of consumption, and was buried in the sea about 400 miles from New York, as we were not permitted to carry him to land. He was a young man about twenty-two years of age, and died in full faith in the gospel.
We have held several interesting meetings on board with the Saints, administering the sacrament to the people, and imparting words of encouragement and consolation. We also had a very enjoyable time in a concert held two nights ago among our people, several of the officers of the ship, as well as some of the passengers, being present.
We landed here about five o’clock this afternoon, being met by Elder William C. Staines. The voyage throughout has been generally very prosperous.
The brethren and Saints desire kind remembrances to yourself and all in the mission, and our prayers ascend night and morning to the Lord God of sabbath, that he will speedily open up the way whereby his faithful Saints may gather up to Zion, and rejoice more fully in the eternal truth of life and salvation.
Praying the revelations of God to continually guide you in all your labors, we remain,
Your brethren in the gospel,
David C. Dunbar, president.
At 6 p.m. on April 27th the party was safe on the train cars, all ready for their overland journey. All the company were well. (David C. Dunbar). The company arrived at Salt Lake City May 5th.” [Bib: Dunbar, David, letter, -Latter-day Millennial Star 43:20 (May 16, 1881) p.314]
Reminiscences of John Lee Jones – sailed on the Wyoming April 1881
…On the 11th of April, 1881, I bore a faithful testimony to my cousin William Constantine (in Birkenhead) and his wife. Bade them goodbye, took the ferry back across the River Mersey to Liverpool. The remainder of the time I assisted the Saints in getting ready for the voyage in tagging & addressing their luggage, & placing it in the steamer (Wyoming) & showing them their berths, &c. in the steerage. The company of Saints consisted of 700 souls…we left Liverpool on the 16th of April amid shouts of people on the quay, waving their handkerchiefs wishing us a safe voyage across the mighty deep.
On Sunday the 17th we called at Queenstown, an Irish seaport town, situate on a hillside & below was an arm of the sea made a very good harbor for ships of heavy burden. Here we took on board some Irish passengers bound for the land of America, which swelled our numbers to 1160 souls, English, Irish, & German.
After a voyage of 10 days we arrived at Castle Garden, New York at 4 o’clock p.m. We passed the custom house officers by 11 a.m. next day. We then took cars for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. ..
After 3 days & nights journey across the continent in the railway cars we arrived at Milford on the 7th of May. I must forget to mention a brief stay at Sale Lake City of 3 or 4 days….
John’s brother, George, age 19, miner, sailed on the ship “Cynosure” May 1863 to America. Thomas, age 37, and his wife Agnes, age 16, came to America on the ship “Wyoming” April 1879, destination, Ogden. , His brother William George came in and his two sisters Jessie and Beatrice came in
22 Oct 1881
John’s wife, Elizabeth, her son, Peter (used last name of Cunningham), daughters, Jessie, age 2 years 9 months, and Mary, age 1 year 1month, sailed on the ship “Wisconsin”, the last ship of the season.
“On Saturday 22 at 5 p.m. the S.S. Wisconsin of the Guion Line sailed from Liverpool, England with 396 Saints, in charge of Lyman R. Martineau. The company landed in New York Nov 2nd, traveled by railway, arriving at Ogden and Salt Lake City Nov 11th.”
Almy, Uinta, Wyoming
Almy, a coal mine settlement, located in the Bear River valley, was surrounded by immense outcrops of coal. The first mine was opened in 1869 producing coal for the Union Pacific Railroad. Other mines opened in the district. Mine fires and explosions finally forced the closure of the mines. The mines were known for producing explosive gas and the coal was susceptible to spontaneous combustion to a serious degree. Labor troubles also caused problems. A Chinese Riot in 1885 at Rock Springs forced companies to discontinue employing all Orientals in the Almy mines. Finally the Central Pacific Railroad’s loss of fuel orders to the Utah mines, the miners left for work elsewhere. John and his family as with some others came to the Utah Pleasant Valley coal fields in 1890-91.
1882
14 Nov 1882 - Son, William, was born at Pleasant Valley, Onedia, Idaho. He died 13 Jun 1895 at Scofield, Carbon, Utah. Family story was that William was hit in the head by a ball bat. He is buried in the Scofield Cemetery.
1884
22 April 1884 - daughter, Elizabeth Hood, named from her mother, was born at Almy, Uinta, Wyoming. Mother and wife, Elizabeth Hood Cunningham, died 8 days later on the 30th of April 1884 at Almy, Uinta, Wyoming.
1884 – abt May
John married eighteen-year old Katherine/Kate Sneddon at Almy, Unita, Wyoming She was the daughter of James and Jane Spowart Sneddon, Latter-day Saint converts from Scotland.
1884 – 1891 U.S. Citizenship
Territory of Wyoming, County of Uinta.
I, John S. Cunningham do declare on oath that it is BONA FIDE my intention to become a citizen of the United States and to renouce forever all allegiance and fidelity to all and any foreign Prince, Potentate, State or Sovereignty whatever, and particularly to Victoria Queen of Great Britain of whom I was formerly a subject. Signed John S. Cunningham, Subscribed and sworn to before this 31st day of October A.D. 1884 signed Jesse Knight, Clerk U.S. district court. Filed in the territory U. S. District Court October 31st 1884 , clerk, Jesse Knight.
State of Wyoming, County of Uinta
I, John Stone, Clerk of the U.S. District Court, in and for said County, in the Territory aforesaid, do hereby certify that the same is a Court of Record, having a Clerk and seal, and I do also certify that the foregoing is a true copy of a declaration, and of the whole of such declaration of intention of John S. Cunningham to become a citizen of the United States, now remaining of record in my office.
IN TESTIMONY WEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court, this 30th day of April 1891.
[signed] John Stone, Clerk District Court.
Children of John and Kate Sneddon Cunningham
[Almy Ward Records]
31 Dec 1884, Almy, Wyoming - Birth of daughter, Jane Ellen.
Died of fever, buried Scofield Cemetery, Scofield, Carbon, Utah
1886
30 Sep 1886 - Almy, Wyoming – Birth of son James. Death date unknown.
1887
13 Oct 1887 - Daughter, Ellen, was born at Almy, Uinta, Wyoming. She died age 3 years 8 months of fever, buried Scofield Cemetery.
1889
18 Jul 1889 –Son, John, born at Almy, Uinta, Wyoming.
Between 1890 and 1891, the John Cunningham family moved from Almy, Uinta, Wyoming to Scofield, Carbon, Utah where John went to work in the Winterquarters Coal Mine, located in Pleasant Valley, Emery, (Carbon) Utah.
1891
7 May 1891 – 5th Child, Charles Edwin Cunningham was born at Scofield, (Emery) Carbon, Utah.
11Oct 1891 – oldest child, Jane Ellen, age 3 years. 7 months died at Scofield, Emery, Utah, cause fever.
1893
15 Feb 1893 – 6th child, Frank Edward Cunningham, was born at Scofield, Carbon, Utah.
1894
3 Dec 1894 - 7th child, Thomas Cunningham was born at Scofield, Carbon, Utah. He died 14 Oct 1895, age 10 months, at Scofield, Carbon, Utah.
Thomas was the fourth child of the family to die.
1895 – Carbon County established from northern part of Emery County.
1895 – CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP – Carbon County
United States of America, Territory of Utah S.S.
Be it Remembered, that on the Third day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety five. John S. Cunningham late of Scotland in the Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland at present of Scofield, Carbon County, in the Territory aforesaid, appeared in the FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of the United States, in and for Utah Territory, and applied to the said Court to be admitted to become a CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, pursuant to the directions and requirements of the several Acts of Congress in relation thereto. And the said –John S. Cunningham be admitted, and he was accordingly admitted by the said court to be a CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
In Testimony Whereof, The Seal of the Said Court is hereunto affixed this Third day of October, in the Year One thousand Eight Hundred and Ninety five, and in the Year of our Independence the One Hundred and Nineteenth. BY THE COURT: Geo. Havercauld, clerk.
Note* The use of “S” as a middle initial for John was not part of his original name. At one time, the Church asked member to use the initial of the mother’s name to help in distinguishing between so many people who had the same name.
1896
24 Dec 1896, daughter Pearl was born at Scofield, Carbon, Utah. Eleven days later, Pearl died on the 5th of Jan 1897, at Scofield, Carbon, Utah.
1897
13 Jan 1897 – 9th child, Robert Sneddon Cunningham, was born at Scofield Carbon, Utah.
1899
On the 22nd of May 1899 daughter Jesse, age 21, married Julius E. Arthurs at Scofield by Justice of the Peace James P. Curtin. A. J. Walton, Jr. and Mary Cunningham acted as witnesses.
1900 -
1 May 1900 - Winterquarters Mine Explosion. Two hundred men and boys met their deaths. John and son, Charles, had just came out of the mine before it exploded at 10:20 a.m.
1900 Census
John was sent to work at the new Utah Fuel Company mine at Clear Creek about this time.
1903-1904 labour unrest-coal strikes.
1903
26 Aug 1903 – Eleventh child, son, Leslie Cunningham was born at Clear Creek, Carbon, Utah.
1 Dec 1903 – Daughter Mary Neil Hood Cunningham (by first marriage) was married to John Henry Turnbull at Clear Creek, Carbon, Utah.
1903 Clear Creek, Carbon, Utah
“John Cunningham was last Sunday honorably released from the superintendency of the LDS Branch Sunday School at Clear Creek.”
[26 Nov 1903, Eastern Utah Advocate]
1905
6 May 1905 – 12th child, a son, Angus Mitchell Cunningham was born at Clear Creek, Carbon, Utah.
1909
22 Aug 1909 – 13th child, Andrew Cunningham, was born at Clear Creek, Carbon, Utah.
John was a Justice of the Peace at this time.
1910- Census
1912
27 Apr 1912, a stillborn child was born at Winterquarters, Carbon, Utah.
New mines were being opened in Spring Canyon, in the Price River Valley area of Carbon, County. John and his family moved there. He and his sons went to work in the Spring Canyon (Storrs) coal mine.
10 Oct 1914 - The oldest living son, John Jr., while working with his father and brother Charles, was killed by falling coal in the (Storrs) Spring Canyon coal mine. He was buried in the Scofield Cemetery. This left son Charles Edwin, age 23, as the oldest living child.
1917
9 Aug 1917 – Father, John “S”, a fire boss, died from the results of injuries suffered from a mine explosion in the Spring Canyon coal mine. He walked out of the mine and was taken to the Provo Utah Hospital by train. He died there.
17 May 1918 - His sister Jessie Gray had his endowment work done at the St. George Temple.
19 Apr 1923 – Jessie had John and wife Kate sealed in the Salt Lake Temple
24 Mar 1967 – John and his first wife, Elizabeth were sealed in the Manti Temple.
15 Aug 1969 - He was sealed to his parents in the Salt Lake Temple
Extract Entry of Birth
Mary Neil Hood Cunningham
1880 August Third 3h.0m. A.M.
Warwickhill Rows, Parish of Dreghorn
F. Parents: John Cunningham
Coal Miner
Elizabeth Cunningham M.S. Hood
m. 1877 December 31st, Fauldhouse
Inf: John Cunningham Father
Extracted from the Register off Births for the Parish of Dreghorn in the County of Ayr
Record of marriage of Parents
31 Dec 1877, Fauldhouse, West Lothian, Scotland
Daughter, Mary Neil Hood Cunningham's BPR lists Marriage date for Elizabeth Hood & John S Cunningham. (Parents)