Goodspeed Biography of Robert C. M. Cunnyngham

Robert C. M. Cunnyngham, a prominent attorney of Spring City, Rhea Co., Tenn., was born in that county, February 25, 1848, and is the son of Wiley H. and Elvina (Locke) Cunnyngham.  The father died in Rhea County, Tenn., in 1862, at the age of fifty-two.  He was a farmer and merchant, and, the latter part of his life, was tax collector of Rhea County. He had a good education, was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a Whig in politics.  The mother’s ancestors were from Ireland, and her father came to Rhea County, and was one of the first settlers of that region.  He was a farmer, trader and blacksmith, and before his death had accumulated considerable property.  The mother of our subject was born in Rhea County, about 1817. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.  Of their eight, children, all are now living.  Our subject received a liberal education.  He taught school in Bledsoe County, and then went to Saline County, Ark., where he continued teaching. He afterward went to Texas, and traveled extensively over the State, and then came back to Rhea County.  While in Arkansas, he began to read law with Judge W. L. McKinley.  After coming back to Rhea County, he completed his course with Judge F. Locke.  In 1874 he was admitted to the bar in Washington, Rhea County, and practiced his profession there for two years, after which he went to Rhea Springs. Four years later he moved to Spring City, where he has built up a good practice.  He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, is a Mason, both Master and Chapter, and is a Democrat.  May 30, 1876, Miss Julia B. Blevins, a native of Meigs County, born in 1850, became his wife.  To them have been born five children. Those living are John W. C., Nora A., Robert L. C. and Jennie. Ortho J. died in infancy.

 Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co 1887