The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
James Cunningham was born in County Monaghan, Ireland in 1816 and when he was four year old his parent emigrated to the United States settling in New Jersey.
He attended the common school and learned the blacksmith trade. In 1840 he married Miss Mary S. Watson and their first child was born in 1841.
The next year Mrs. Cunningham suffered a stroke from which she never recovered. In 1845 Mr. Cunningham and family emigrated to Illinois and settled in Oquawka where he remained till 1850 when he went to California in search of gold.
Not being successful there in the fall of 1851 he went to Australia where he prosperously engaged in gold mining until 1853 when he left for home via London, England.
From there he sailed to Philadelphia, had his gold minted and came to Oquawka.
He went back East for his parents whom he brought to this place. He was a mason and an odd fellow and one of Oquawkas old and respected citizens.
1882 History of Henderson County