William + Georgia Ann Cunningham. Georgia (daughter of William Wylie Cunningham and Nancy Jane McFarland) was born on 16 Jul 1879 in Fannin Co., Texas; died on 25 Nov 1957 in Texas, United States of America; was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Fannin Co., Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Birth: 16 Apr 1879
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1850, District 21, Dade, Georgia, USA
• Residence: 1860, Beat 4, Ladonia, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Honey Grove, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

When Jackson died, William Wylie and Nancy Jane moved into his homestead. Then Samuel Logan and Jewell lived there.-Rhonda Shinpaugh's notes.

Flowers for the Living: Ladonia News

Most everyone is familiar with the Biblical quotation: "Llet another man praised thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips." That is exactly what the subject of this conspectus has always done, whether conscious of it or not. Anyway his quiet in useful life, and a large measure, makes it necessary for the quotation to be fulfilled.

W. W. Cunningham, familiarly known to his friends and acquaintances as "Uncle Billy," son of Major Matthew Cunningham, was born in Dade County, Georgia, on November 23, 1849. When he was a small boy he moved with his parents to Tennessee and after a few years moved to grant all Texas. He remembers helping his father hew logs for the building of their old homestead.

Like other pioneers he remembers vividly the long and slow trips to Jefferson Texas in the early days; his associates being John Hayden, Dick Hughes and John McFarland. In those days traveling was slow, and in most instances the oxen and wagon were used.

Mr. Cunningham was married to Ms. Nancy Jane McFarland, and they have lived at the old McFarland homestead since, with the exception of two years spent in West Texas. Mrs. Cunningham passed away on February 14, 1924. His brother's daughter, Mrs. James Stoddard is living at his home and helps to look after his comforts and keep the sunshine and happiness there which has always predominated. Mr. Cunningham has always had an open heart for little children; one of his favorites is his little granddaughter, Mary Helen Cunningham. She is very fortunate in having uncle Billy as a grandfather.

Obituaries:
PASSING OF QUIET, CHRISTIAN NOBLEMAN.
W. W Cunningham, who was suddenly called to his eternal reward March 11 from his home near Ladonia, Texas, was one of those quiet thousands of God's noblemen that have not bowed the knee to Baal. His father, Major Cunningham, was one of the earliest settlers of Fannin County, and the son, W.W. who we lovingly called "Uncle Bill," and who was beyond his four-score years, grew up under primitive conditions of frontier days. He was a substantial farmer, and though he possessed plenty, he lived a simple, frugal life. He took a deep interest in religion and in the great moral issues of the country. He was a member of the Christian Church and his long life was an exemplification of Christianity, while his unfaltering stand against the liquor traffic through the years challenged the admiration of lovers of civic righteousness. The last time I saw Uncle Bill, who has been a reader of the Courier for many years, he gave me some money for Bro. Phares to pay his Courier subscription; for though he was a faithful member of the Nonprogressive Christian Church, he loved the Courier, and loved all his brethren, regardless of the school of thought to which they might belong.

Pioneer Citizen Died Monday
William Wiley Cunningham, well known in and around Ladonia as uncle Billie, died March 11, at 2:30 p.m. in the homestead that had witnessed his marriage, his home-making, and later the death of his beloved companion.
He was born in Dale (Dade) county, Ga., November 23, 1840. As a small child of 3 or 4 years of age, he moved with his father and mother to Texas, settling in the Oak Ridge community, at which place he spent the rest of his life.
Early in the year of 1872, he married Miss Nancy Jane McFarland, dughter of another pioneer family. Six children, four boys and two girls, were born to this family. All, save one, were reared to maturity, making useful, good citizens. Mary, the younger daughter, died in infancy. The others are: M.J., Will, J.E. and S.H. Cunningham and Mrs. WH. Wilson. The children, witht he exception of Mrs. Wilson, live in the Oak Ridge community.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Lauderdale of St. Joe, Texas, and old, old friend of the family.
Pallbearers were: J.R. J.A., Lee, Will and John McFarland, Clint Taylor, Walter Cunningham and Herman Milford.
Mr. Cunningham died as he had lived--quietly, serene and unafraid. He was A Christian gentleman in the hightest sense of the word, whose passing is mourned by many of his loved ones, and friends who in turn were loved so devotedly by him.
To the bereaved, we extend our condolences.

William married Nancy Jane McFarland on 4 Jan 1872 in Fannin Co., Texas. Nancy (daughter of Andrew Jackson McFarland, RoM02 and Artemissa Pence) was born on 2 Jan 1851 in Fannin Co., Texas; died on 14 Feb 1924 in Fannin Co., Texas; was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Fannin Co., Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• _MILT: in homeplace of Jackson and Artemissa McFarland
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Honey Grove, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1900, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1910, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Residence: 1920, Justice Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes: Nancy Jane was named for her two grandmothers.

Obituary dated Feb. 22, 1924:
Mrs. W. W. Cunningham Passed Away
Nancy Jane McFarland, the only daughter of Jackson and Artemissa McFarland was born Jan. 2, 1851, was married to Wm. W. Cunningham Jan. 4, 1872 and passed into the Great Beyond Feb'y 14, 1924. She leaves a truly devoted husband, four sons: Matthen (typo), William, James and Logan and a daughter, Mrs. W H. Wilson, and four grand-children. All were present at her home going, though death came most unexpectedly. The bodily strength that had been impaired for a number of years could not withstand an attack of acute indigestion which occurred about then days prior to her death. But on Thursday morning Feb. 14, she seemed much improved, ate a good breakfast and expressed a belief that she would soon be well again. Within thirty minutes, despite all that could be done the tired, wornout body found rest in the Life Eternal.
She was an old fashioned mother, the kind of a mother we love the best. She was an ardent lover of her home, having been born, spent her childhood, married and reared her family at her father's old homestead, and here the death angel found her when she was ready to go. No task was ever too hard for her if it meant comfort to her household. Of her father's family only three brothers remain. They are John E., Newton J, and C.S. (Bose) McFarland: all in and near Ladonia. The oldest brother, J. F. McFarland died Feb. 4, 1917.
Mrs. Cunningham had been a Christian forty years. In a quite and unpretentious way she had let her light shine through all these years. She was outspoken against wrong and she possessed unusual strength of character. The funeral service was held at the Plainview Christian Church and was conducted by Eld. Jno. T. Louderdale of St. Jo, Texas who had been a devoted friend of the family for a number of years.
He was assisted by W. M. Williams, editor of the Christian Courier, who is also closely attached to the family. He laid her to rest in the Hulsey cemetery beside the little daughter they placed there years ago. The pall bearers were six stalwart nephews whose Sunday visits to "Aunt Jane's" will ever remain among the happiest of childhood's memories. They were Sam, Will, Newman, Jim, Lee and Sylvester McFarland. As a last service of love five nieces lovingly placed the flowers on the grave of the aunt they loved so well and the thought of whose life will linger in their memories as the embodiment of loyalty, hospitality and devotion to those around her.
The following relatives from a distance attended the funeral: Mrs. R. H. Steppe, Mrs. Oscar Scott, W.M. Willliams and family, Miss Vista Cunningham, Sylvester McFarland, Samuel J. and James R. McFarland, all of Dallas: Mr. and Mrs. J.N. McFarland of Greenville; Jack McFarland of Bonham; Mrs. Oscar Moore, Windom; Mrs. Lura London, Bailey; Mesdames Walls and Shrum of Cash; Jas. Cunningham, Honey Grove and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson of Wolfe City.

NOTES: The Hulsey Cemetery is the Oak Ridge Cemetery today. The Plainview Christian Church was the name for the present Oak Ridge Church of Christ Church. W.M. Williams is the husband of Jane's niece, Florence McFarland, daughter of James Franklin McF. and a Christian minister.
married W. Cunningham Feb. 4, 1872

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Fannin County, Texas
• _MILT: 1839-40
• _MILT: 1838, 1st Lieutenant for Republic of Texas at Fort Decalb under Capt. Isaac Lyday, paid $180.
• _MILT: 1841
• Residence: 1845, No Township Listed, Fannin County, TX
• Possessions: 21 Nov 1845, Patents #520, #521-320 acres each in Fannin Co., 2nd class grant-File 115, certificate #73: bought 640 acres from Reuben Brown Nov. 4, 1845
• Residence: 1850, Fannin, Texas, USA
• Religion: 1853, Flag Springs church organized by Methodists and Baptists
• Religion: 1853; Flag Springs church organized by Methodists and Baptists
• Residence: 1860, Beat 4, Fannin, Texas
• _MILT: Between 6 Jul 1861 and 1865, private in Texas State Brigade, 14th Regiment, Capt. John W. Piner 1st Co., Gen. S.A.Roberts, then Co. K, 2nd Reg't Cav. of Texas State Troops, and Chamber's Batt'l of Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA
• _MILT: Between 6 Jul 1861 and 1865
• Residence: 1870, Precinct 4, Fannin, Texas, United States
• Religion: Jul 1879, Charter member of Oak Ridge Church of Christ
• Religion: Jul 1879; Charter member of Oak Ridge Church of Christ
• Residence: 1880, Precinct 5, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Memory of Mary Arabella McFarland Jennings about her grandfather: "I was under five years old when my grandfather died, but I remember his driving to our house in a new buggy-he must have been ill at the time, for he was very pale-I thought of him as a kind and generous grandfather-he gave us children candy-a rare treat.

Property: Although Jackson was awarded 640 acres from the Republic of Texas (Patents #520, and 521), he actually lived on the 640 acres bought from Reuben Brown.
Patent #520 was 320 acres of land adjacent to Jonathan S. Hobby (Hobbs?) and was dated Nov. 21, 1845, from abstract #11347.
Patent #521 was 320 acres of land beginning on Daniel Davis's southeast corner and Hobbs on east side.

Military Service during the Republic:
Fort Decalb Nov. 29, 1838. This is to certify that Jackson McFarland has served as a Volunteer in the Service of the Republic of Texas for the term of three months at said Fort and is hereby honorably discharged from saidd service and is entitled to all the pay and endowments (?) for such service.
Isaac Lyday Capt. Jno. H. Dyer Brig.

Military Service during Civil War:
In Johnny Rebs of Hunt Co. Texas, by Frances Terry Ingmire, 1977, p. 24, transcribed the document signed by A.E. Pace Brig. Gen. of the Texas State Troops the Jackson McFarland Jr. (?) was elected as 2nd Lieut. for Beat 4, of Fannin Co. on April 15, 1862 in the 14th Brigade. According to own personal records that are now lodged at the Barker Museum in Austin, Texas, Jackson was also part of Chamber's Battalion of the Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA. Papers in the National Archives show him as being sent home to Fannin County in August, 1864 to thresh grain for 60 days. This corresponds to paperwork in his possession. He is also part of Wm. Dulany's Company, who was the Captain of Co. K, of the 2nd Reg't. Cavalry of the Texas State Troops. He also joined the Masonic Order, Bethel Lodge #134, in Ladonia.

Fannin Co. Court House Record: Box 16 Case #532
(the handwriting is hard to decipher)
Transcription as best I can interpret:

Filed March 3rd, 1870
The State of Texas In County Court Fannin County ...Feby 7, 1870
To the Hon. F. D. Piner, County Judge in and for said County,

Your petitioner Jackson McFarland, a resident of your County, has to state that sometime in the year 1866, he was appointed guardian of the person's and estates of the minors Peter and Angeline MacFarlane ( free persons of color,) formerly his slaves - That now, said minors are of an age, now 14 years of age, that they are able to earn a living and to take care of themselves - that they are not easily managed and controlled - that they have been until recently satisfied and controllable, and that they have been well clothed and fed and cared for - but, under the circumstances, your petitioner asked to be discharged from further trust and liability as such guardian, and as in duty bound will ..(? Cannot decipher last few words)
Jackson McFarland
F.D. Piner
County Judge
Property: Although Jackson was awarded 640 acres from the Republic of Texas, he actually lived on the 640 acres bought from Reuben Brown. In Johnny Rebs of Hunt Co. Texas, by Frances Terry Ingmire, 1977, p. 24, transcribed the document signed by A.E. Pace Brig. Gen. of the Texas State Troops the Jackson McFarland Jr. (?) was elected as 2nd Lieut. for Beat 4, of Fannin Co. on April 15, 1862 in the 14th Brigade. According to own personal records that are now lodged at the Barker Museum in Austin, Texas, Jackson was also part of Chamber's Battalion of the Texas Reserve Corps Infantry, CSA. Papers in the National Archives show him as being sent home to Fannin County in August, 1864 to thresh grain for 60 days. This corresponds to paperwork in his possession. He is also part of Wm. Dulany's Company, who was the Captain of Co. K, of the 2nd Reg't. Cavalry of the Texas State Troops. He also joined the Masonic Order, Bethel Lodge #134, in Ladonia.

Andrew married Artemissa Pence on 7 Jul 1845 in Fannin Co., Texas, according to Ingmire source. Artemissa was born on 2 Mar 1829 in near the Sinking R., Breckenridge Co., Kentucky; died on 6 Jul 1907 in Fannin Co. Texas; was buried in McFarland Cemetery 3 miles north of Ladonia, Texas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: 1880, Precinct 5, Fannin, Texas, USA

Notes:

Mary Helen Haines notes:

Memory of Mary Arabella McFarland Jennings about her grandmother: "Grandmother McF. impressed me as kind of an iron woman, ready to defend her own against any odds. When Minta and I spent the summer with her and attended school at Oak Ridge we had potatoes boiled with the jacket on every night for supper-and loved it. I thought she was a beautiful woman-erect posture and wavey black hair."

Artemissa's name is also spelled Artimissa by other descendants. However, on documents from the time period, it is spelled with an "e."

Memory from a letter from Bose McFarland to Lola McF. Hill, dated Jan. 29, 1967: "I remember Great-grand-ma-ma (Artemissa) when she was living with Aunt Jane Cunningham. She smoked a little clay pipe. And one day she showed me about twenty or thirty pennies; that were beginning to turn green, that she kept in a small tobacco sack."

In 1890: P.O. was Ladonia, and she had 1196 acres in cultivation.

In 1893 she must have been living with son Bose and his wife Sude, because she received letters from her sisters and they were always asking about them and Willie and the baby.

Below is the transcription of her obituary made by Lola McFarland, her granddaughter.

GONE HOME _ ARTEMISSA PENCE MCFARLAND
--- Ladonia News, July 1906
Saturday, July 6, the spirit of Grandma McFarland went home to
God. Aged 81 years . four months, and four days, Mrs. Artemissa McFarland
was born at Land Of Sinking, Ky., March 2, 1829. When a young
girl she moved with her parents to Texas, settling in Fannin county.
In July 1845, she married Jackson McFarland, one of the pioneers of
this country, who preceded her almost a quarter of a century ago.
Mrs. McFarland leaves five children, four sons and one
daughter, over thirty grandchildren and over twenty great grandchild-
ren and a great host of friends to mourn her loss.

Coming to this country when Texas was a republic, she spent the
early days of her life amid scenes which were as full fo exciting and
thrilling as they were of inconvenience and self-denial.

None but the few remaining pioneers of this country can adequate-
ly appreciate the hardships that were undergone by those who settled
here in an early day and transformed a wilderness into a cultured,
Christian communities. Without commercial, educational or Christian
opportunities, they toiled and denied themselves these pleasure that
rising generations might enjoy the products of their frugality.
Grandma McFarland was one of this number. She lived to see her desc-
endants to the third generations enter into and enjoy the fruits of the
struggles of herself and her frontier neighbors.

She was the product of those days and conditions when society
was free from artificialities, when friendships were genuine, and
life was delightfully simple and real. I am told by friends who knew
her well that she was a woman of strong, positive convictions; one
who viewed life from a practical, business standpoint;. Industrious
and frugal, she lived a quiet, unassuming life. She was a devout
Christian, but her church life, like her social living was free from
ostentation. Her life was the constant expression of her faith in
God.

Dear old faithful mother! She now rests from the eighty years
but the gentle influence, which, by a constant life, was set in mo-
tion shall live on in the hearts of others long after the frail body
has returned to dust. To sorrowing children and friends we would say:
Trust the same God that brought her a good old age and in whom she be-
lieved.

In a lonely graveyard, Not very far away,
Lies a dear old mother, 'Neath the cold, cold clay.
Memories oft returning of her tears and sighs;
If you love your mother, meet her in the skies.

Now the old home, vacant , Has no charms for you,
One dear soul is absent, Mother, kind and true.
Ever more she dwells where pleasure never dies
If you love your mother, meet her in the skies.

Sunday evening a large company of friends followed her remains
to the family cemetery and after services, conducted by Brothers, Lee
and Parker she was laid to rest by the side of her husband.
Patient and gentle in life, she was glorious in death.

A Friend and Brother.

Artemissa's name is also spelled Artimissa by other descendants. However, on documents from the time period, it is spelled with an "e." Excerpt from letter from Bose McFarland to Lola McF. Hill, dated Jan. 29, 1967: "I remember Great-grand-ma-ma (Artemissa) when she was living with Aunt Jane Cunningham. She smoked a llittle clay pipe. And one day she showed me about twenty or thirty pennies; that were beginning to turn green, that she kept in a small tobacco sack."

1890: P.O. was Ladonia, had 1196 acres in cultivation.