Place of migration
Migrated to/Born in USA
Following is an account of my ancestor, William Cunningham, excerpted from a book ("Our Family History") written by his grandson, also named William Cunningham. I am blocked in finding any additional information before he settled in the U.S. Any suggestions would be most welcome!
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6th May 1767 | |
| Date of Death | 7th Apr 1810 | |
| Number of Siblings | The ancestors of both branches of my father's family were of Scotch descent. In consequence of the early death both of my grand- and great-grandfather, the remote history of the family has to a great extent been lost. Certain it is, however, that, induced by the hope of securing a home in "the gréen isle of the sea," they removed from their native land and settled in the north of Ireland in the early part of the seventeenth century. The religious persecutions of those troublous days affected Presbyterians in both Scotland and Ireland. During the latter part of the sixteenth and the greater part of the seventeenth century, all the three kingdoms were in commotion as the troubled sea. William Cunningham was born May 6th, 1767, at Ballimony, County Antrim, Ireland. This town is situated on the river Bann, which flows north from Lough Neagh to the Atlantic Ocean. His father and mother both died when he was quite young, and he was left in the care of an aunt residing in Ballimony. She was engaged in the linen business and kept a small store, at the counter of which he was soon placed. Here he spent the greater part of his time. It became also his duty statedly to attend the fairs which were and still are the great marts of exchange in this business. It is well known how the free-hearted sons of Erin have ever enjoyed themselves on these occasions, and he, doubtless, in many a happy hour there indulged the full tide of mirth. He remained in Ballimony until the year 1790, when he sailed for America. He had a brother who entered the English army in his youth and, at the time that William Cunningham was on his way to this land of promise, was battling under the flag of his country on the plains of India. He afterward retired from the service to Ayr, Scotland, a spot which the·genius of Burns has rendered immortal. Here he spent the remainder of his clays, pursuing-his' trade as a stonecutter. The last news from him was by letter to father in 1810. He had also a sister named Catharine, who was married to David Craig in Ireland, and who came with him to America. . On their arrival she and her husband settled in Lancaster Co., PA. William Cunningham, when living with his aunt, became a weaver, and when setting sail for America bore with him no fortune except a few pieces of linen and a fearless, manly soul, with which to· work out his destiny here. He settled in Chester Co., PA., on his arrival, and· began working at his trade. He had not been long there before he made the acquaintance .of Miss Mary Hill, a young lady, the remembrances of whose early life led her back to his native land. She was born on a small island, called Magee Island, lying in the channel between Scotland and Ireland, near' the coast of the latter. Her early life was spent near the surf-beaten shore, and sailing thence with her parents she came to this country, probably a short time before William Cunningham. · Friendship with them ripened into love, and their destinies were united by marriage in 1792. . | |
