Francis A. Cunningham

Who was Francis A. Cunningham?

Francis Alanson Cunningham was a U.S. Representative from Ohio.

Born in Abbeville County, South Carolina, Cunningham moved to Eaton, Ohio, in 1826. He taught school. He studied medicine and commenced practice in 1829. He served as clerk of the court of Preble County in 1833.

Cunningham was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-ninth Congress. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1846 to the Thirtieth Congress. He studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1847 and began practice in Eaton. He was appointed additional paymaster of Volunteers by President Polk December 30, 1847. He was commissioned paymaster in the Regular Army March 2, 1849, and was retired from active service August 27, 1863. He died in Eaton, Ohio, August 16, 1864. He was interred in Mound Hill Cemetery.