San Joaquin County
Biographies
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM
THOMAS CUNNINGHAM, Sheriff of
San Joaquin County, is a native of County Longford, Ireland, born August 17,
1838, and when ten years of age came to the United States, locating at
Brooklyn. There he served an apprenticeship at the harness-maker’s trade with a
brother-in-law. He worked there until 1855, when he removed to California, via
Panama. He left New York on the steamer Illinois, and landed at San Francisco
from the steamer Sonora, on Saturday, June 16, 1855. He came at once to
Stockton, and went to work for Peachy & Baggs, where Buckley’s hat store is
now located. He afterward changed his place of employment to the shop of George
Ellsworth, who kept in an iron building on Hunter street. After this he worked
at the establishment of Bird, who was succeeded by H. T. Dorrance.
In 1860 Mr. Cunningham started in business
for himself on Main street, near El Dorado, having bought out J. W. Scott
there. In 1871 he was elected sheriff of San Joaquin County, took the office on
the first Monday in March, 1872, and a year later closed out his harness
business. He has held the office of Sheriff ever since his first incumbency by
virtue of re-election, and during that time no emergency has ever risen to
which he was not equal, though there have been very many instances in which
great tact was required, and many others calling for unflinching courage. (See
chapter VII.)
He was married in this city, in 1861, to
Miss Catherine Burke (now deceased). There are three children of this marriage,
viz: Lillie M., Maggie E. and Katie.
Mr. Cunningham is a member of Morning Star
Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; of Stockton Chapter, Stockton Council and Stockton
Commandery. He has been a member of Charity Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F., since
1858. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and to the Red Men. He was
identified with the old volunteer fire department when it was in vogue, and was
for two years foreman of Eureka Engine Company. He has also served in the city
council of Stockton.
Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
An Illustrated History of San Joaquin County,
California, Page 617. Lewis Pub. Co.
Chicago, Illinois 1890.
© 2009 Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
Biographies
Golden Nugget Library's San Joaquin County
Genealogy Databases