Francis M. Cunningham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Francis Marion Cunningham
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Francis M. Cunningham, c. 1907
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| Born | December 12, 1837 Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 11, 1919 (aged 81) Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania |
| Buried |
Sugar Grove Cemetery, Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
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| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Rank | First Lieutenant |
| Unit |  1st West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry Regiment - Company H |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War:
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| Awards |  Medal of Honor |
Francis Marion Cunningham (born December 12, 1837 – died May 11, 1919) was an American soldier from Pennsylvania. He fought bravely with the 1st West Virginia Cavalry during the American Civil War. Cunningham received the Medal of Honor, which is the highest award for bravery a soldier can get in the United States. He earned this award for his actions during the Battle of Sailor's Creek in Virginia on April 6, 1865.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Francis Marion Cunningham was born in Upper Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1837. His parents were Robert and Sarah Cunningham. He grew up with many brothers and sisters.
By 1860, Francis had moved to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He married Sarah J. Skinner on August 26, 1861.
Joining the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Francis Cunningham was one of the first people from Pennsylvania to join the army. He signed up to serve in July 1861. He became part of Company H of the 1st West Virginia Cavalry.
Many soldiers from Fayette County, including Cunningham, bought their own horses to join the fight. He fought in many important battles throughout the war. These battles lasted from the early years until the very end of the conflict.
During the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, Cunningham was an orderly sergeant. When his officers were killed, he took command of his company. He led them for the rest of the war. In December 1863, after his first three years of service, he chose to re-enlist for another three years.
A Hero at Sailor's Creek
In April 1865, Francis Cunningham showed incredible bravery during the Battle of Sailor's Creek in Virginia. This is why he later received the U.S. Medal of Honor.
During this battle, Cunningham was wounded twice. Even so, he managed to capture an enemy flag. General George Custer was very impressed by Cunningham's actions. Custer immediately added Cunningham to his personal staff. He also recommended Cunningham for the Medal of Honor.
As a member of Custer's staff, Cunningham was present for a very important moment in history. He witnessed the surrender of Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general, to Ulysses S. Grant, the Union general. This happened at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Francis Cunningham was honorably discharged from the military. He returned home to Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. He lived there with his wife, Sarah, until she passed away in 1915.
Francis Cunningham died on May 11, 1919, after becoming very ill. He was buried next to his wife at Sugar Grove Cemetery in Ohiopyle. He was remembered by his children and grandchildren.
See also
- Archibald H. Rowand, Jr.
- List of Medal of Honor recipients
- List of American Civil War Medal of Honor recipients: A–F
