CYPRUS W. CUNNINGHAM, dealer in books, stationery, wall paper, jewelry, etc., was born in Bedford County, January 28, 1850, being one of five children of Joseph A. and Elizabeth W. (Williams) CUNNINGHAM. The father was a native of Bedford County, his father having come here from North Carolina in the very early settlement of the county. The father was a farmer; his death occurred in 1880. The mother is a descendant of Virginia parentage, is a native of this county, and is now living.
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm to the age of twenty-three, receiving a common school education. He taught school and clerked in a store for two years before leaving home. He then came to Shelbyville, and purchased a one-third interest in a book store, and in 1875 became sole proprietor, In 1876 he failed, but has paid our fully, and now does a thriving business, and owns a desirable and beautiful home in Shelbyville. He now holds the appointment of deputy internal revenue collector of the Fifth Revenue District of Tennessee.
He was married, March 9, 1875, to Miss Susan A. CANNON, grandniece of Gov. Newton CANNON. This union has been blessed in the birth of four children, viz: Kate T., Elizabeth, Jennie C., and Mary J. Mr. CUNNINGHAM and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the K. of H. and R. A., being a member of the Grand Lodge of the K. of H. He is a Democrat in politics, and an enterprising citizen of the county.
Transcribed by Kathryn Hopkins
Goodspeed Publishing Co. History of Tennessee from the Earliest Time to the Present: Together with an Historical and a Biographical Sketch of Maury, Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, Bedford & Marshall Counties, Besides a Valuable Fund of Notes, Reminescences [Sic], Observations, Etc., Etc. Easley, S.C.: Southern Historical Press, 1988.