Michael Cunningham Biography


	This biography appears on page 1838 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM was born in 1855 in Mount St. Patrick, 
Ontario, Canada, and in his parents' home he was reared and there had 
instilled into his mind lessons of industry, of economy and integrity. 
After attaining his majority he married Miss Mary Slowey, of Wisconsin, 
whose parents were of Irish birth and who in early life came to the new 
world, taking up their abode in the Badger state. It was in that state 
that the daughter gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Cunningham, and 
their union has been blessed with four children.

	On coming to Decatur Mr. Cunningham secured a homestead claim in 
Mayfield, and later made a purchase of land here, comprising a quarter 
section near the James river. He sold his property and with the 
proceeds he bought four hundred acres, on which he is now living, 
paying for it ten dollars per acre. He makes a specialty of the 
production of corn and oats and he also raises hogs and cattle on an 
extensive scale. His farming methods are progressive and in all of his 
work he is methodical and systematic. Mr. Cunningham is a warm friend 
of the cause of education, realizing its value as a preparation for 
life's practical duties and he is giving his children excellent 
advantages in this direction.