John CUNNINGHAM
(Cunningham's Inn in Gloucester Township)

possibly ML# 39 on the McCabe List


September 20, 2002:

Cunningham's Inn was a well-known establishment in the Township of Gloucester.
The first township meeting was held there on January 2, 1832. It became a stop 
on the route of the horse-drawn Stage Coach which travelled from Bytown, turned
on to the Bowesville Road near Billings Bridge (before Bank Street was extended 
to South Gloucester), and then proceeded to Prescott. By 1854, the Bytown and 
Prescott Railway passed close to the inn. This area became known as Bowesville 
and was expropriated in the 1950's to make way for Uplands Airport (now the 
Ottawa International Airport). As of January 1, 2001, it is now within the City of 
Ottawa.

The floor plan of Cunningham's Inn is shown below. It was scanned by Wendy Millar
from a book called Bowesville: A Place to Remember by Grace Johnston.
The Inn was a log structure. As with most businesses of the time, there were 
separate living quarters contained within the building. The outside dimensions,
in total, were about 40 feet by 40 feet. A large building for it's time and place.

Grace Johnston's book also contains a nice line-drawing of the exterior of the Inn.

Taylor Kennedy and others have provided a lot of genealogical information on the
pioneer Cunningham family. They were a large, colourful and entrepreneurial family
who married into many of the Gloucester, Osgoode and Nepean fmilies. See for example
the William Kennedy family of Nepean.


September 16, 2002: Hello Joy, Al & Cynthia I have mentioned that I have both Elizabeth Carroll,Cunningham,Kennedy,Britt Last Will and Testament but I haven't entered it, just a start as you'll see by her notes. Elizabeth Carroll when married to John Cunningham had 3 more children with him, Margaret Jane, Annie and Elizabeth who married Thomas Carroll the blacksmith in Quebec, as stated in her Will they were to assume custody of Mary Teresa until the age of 21,but Mary died at the age of 15. When Elizabeth Carroll married William Kennedy, again she had 3 more children, Michael Joseph, Mary Teresa stated above and Martha buried with William. Shortly after that she married Michael Britt and had Patrick Britt before she died. In total seven children by Elizabeth Carroll. All stated in several pages of her will. In the 1881 census, Elizabeth Cunningham her daughter by blood is living with her and as stated married Thomas Carroll the blacksmith from Quebec. I'm sending you a small file on John Cunningham her first husband. It will take me a couple of days to key in her Will, as I'm only a 2 finger typist, but regardless, you shall be the recipient of her Will once entered. Interesting her step son Andrew Fogarty and Michael Britt were parteners in a lumber business. A suspicious person might look at her in a different way. Married to John Cunningham-now deceased, married to William Kennedy - now deceased, married to Michael Britt, but she died first. Her will does state her blood born children. There was a battle with John's first three children and her last three children if I recall. Anyways I'm sending you the Cunningham file with the Tighe file. PLEASE NOTE UNDER SARAH TIGHE, the comments regarding Theresa McGrath. Are you able to send your notes for Cynthia, myself and Al??????? Take care for now Taylor Kennedy Descendants of John Cunningham Generation No. 1 1. John1 Cunningham was born Unknown in ?, and died March 1871 in Gloucester, Ontario. He married (1) Catherine Gillingham Abt. 1830. He married (2) Elizabeth Caroll Abt. 1868. Children of John Cunningham and Catherine Gillingham are: + 2 i. John2 Cunningham, born Unknown; died December 22, 1885 in Gloucester, Ontario. 3 ii. Mary Ann Cunningham, born Unknown in Gloucester, Ontario; died 1878 in Gloucester, Ontario. 4 iii. Catherine Celia Cunningham, born Unknown in ?. She married William Fitzsimmons. Children of John Cunningham and Elizabeth Caroll are: 5 i. Margaret Jane2 Cunningham, born Unknown. 6 ii. Annie Cunningham, born Unknown. 7 iii. Elizabeth Cunningham, born Unknown. Generation No. 2 2. John2 Cunningham (John1) was born Unknown, and died December 22, 1885 in Gloucester, Ontario. He married ?. Children of John Cunningham and ? are: 8 i. John3 Cunningham, born Unknown. 9 ii. Patricia Cunningham, born Unknown. 10 iii. Bartholomew Cunningham, born Unknown. 11 iv. Michael Cunningham, born Unknown. 12 v. Catherine Cunningham, born Unknown. 13 vi. Mary Ann Cunningham, born Unknown. 14 vii. John Joseph Cunningham, born Unknown.
September 17, 2002: Hello all This is the Surrogate's Papers on Mary Teresa where Thomsa Carroll the Guardian denounces administration on the proceedings. These are a few comments that you can they received, Michael and Mary. Part of Lot 16 in the 3rd Concession. Take care Taylor Before Elizabeth Carroll / Cunningham / Kennedy / Britt [ Brite ] died she gave her daughter Elizabeth (Cunningham) and Thomas Carroll guardianship of Mary from her last will and testament until Mary reached the age of 21 years. Sadly Mary was only 15 when she died. Stated in her will. Residence at the time of death was Porters Island. Hospital for contagious diseases. Buried in Notre Dame cemetery. Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, The petition of the Toronto General Trusts Company, Humbly Sheweth that Teresa Kennedy late of the Township of Nepean in the said County of Carleton, spinster and infant under the age of twenty - one, deceased died on or about the Second day of May in the year of the Lord one thousand and ninety four at the City of Ottawa in the said County of Carleton and that the said deceased at the time of her death had her fixed place of abode at the Township of Nepean in the said County of Carleton. That the said deceased died unmarried and without leaving a father or mother and only a brother Michael Kennedy, an infant under the age of twenty - one years and no sister her surviving and without having left any Will, Codicil or Tetstamentary Paper whatever, and THOMAS CARROLL, the Guardian of the said infant has renounced administration. That the value of the whole property of the said deceased which she in any way dies possessed of or entitled to is under Twelve Hundred Dollars. That the value of the Personal Estate and Effects under One Hundred and Fifty Dollars and the Real Estate is under One Thousand and Two Dollars, and the full particulars and an appraisement of all said property are exhibited herewith and verified upon oath. Wherefore, your Petioners pray that administration of the Property and Personal of the said deceased may be granted and committed to them by this Honorable Court. Dated at Toronto, 5th day of December, A.D.1894. It does not state whether the Trust Company to hold of the assets or if they were passed onto Michael her brother. PS - In about 1/2 hour, I'll send you a page from John Cunningham Last Will and Testament regarding Elizabeth (Cunningham) Carroll.
September 17, 2002: Hi guys Here's what I promised from the last email. Cindy, meet Joy, Joy, Cindy. I think you're second cousins. ;) In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, onr thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And Whereas I ELIZABETH CARROLL, of the Village of North Wakefield in the County of Ottawa and the Province of Québec, wife of THOMAS CARROLL of the same place, Blacksmith, being one of the lawful children and heirs at law of the said John Cunningham, deceased, having been requested to renounce all my rights and title as such to letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of ELIZABETH BRITT mentioned in the petition for letters of Administration herein. Now I the said ELIZABETH CARROLL do hereby expressly renounce all my right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness I havehereunto set my hand and seal this, 5th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Mrs. Thomas Carroll. JOY, JOHN DIED IN 1870 AND THIS BATTLE WENT ON TILL 1886, SIXTEEN YEARS. Take care Taylor PS This is one page of 19, so you can see the story this Will tells on it's own.
September 18, 2002: Hello Guys! I have been going over my records and the information you sent Taylor. So much to think about. First , the record I have on Teresa McGraw . Her name was spelled wrong. She is Teresa Mary McGrath who died Dec 6,1990 in her 96th year. I have a clipping of her death notice. Lists her step children and her three sons. I know this is correct because I have met her sons. Information in the William Kennedy and Isabella Watt and Elizabeth Carroll file, has under Children of William Kennedy and Elizabeth Carroll 1: Michael William Kennedy b 1877 Nepean, d1969. 2nd marriage to Teresa McGrath b 1895 d 1969. These dates for Tessie are different. Also Mary Teresa Kennedy , the child that died at 15, this person b1879 Nepean d 1894 Ottawa lived to 90 yrs old. Correct me if I'm wrong. Cunningham: I have John Cunningham b1791- Inn Keeper - Bowesville Road M Catherine b1791: from family records these were the parents of John Cunningham 1833-1870 who m Ellen Carroll 1841-1887. As I stated Elizabeth Cunningham who married Thomas Carroll - on their marriage certificate under Mother Is Ellen Carroll. There were so many Elizabeth Carrolls she may have used her middle name. John died at age 37. He was a Laborer and died when he accidently fell off of a building under construction. John had a sister Mary Ann who married a McGrath. He had a sister Catherine who married William Fitzsimmons. The Children of Ellen (Elizabeth) Carroll and John Cunningham: 1-Elizabeth 1859-1940 M Thomas Carroll 1850-1932 on Nov 23 1885 St Patrick's Church Ottawa. 2-Margaret (Maggie) Sister Mary Reginald. Maggie became a nun at age 17. She lived in Louisville Kentucky. 3- Anne M John McCrank - Farrellton Que. Ellen(Elizabeth) Carroll Cunningham had a brother Dan M Elizabeth Casey. The Children of Elizabeth (Cunningham) and Thomas Carroll: 1-Marguerite Anne (Peggy) 1886-1968 M John Hugh (Jack) Kennedy St Mary"s Church Ottawa Oct 15-1912 Another Kennedy for you Taylor!!!!!!!!! 2-Elena Jane (Lena) 1888-1972 M James Sullivan 1886-1962 Aug 1-1911. 3-Mary "Eva" 1892-1976 M twice: 1-William Dwyer 2- Joseph Vickers 4-Thomas Daniel (Tom) 1897-1952 M Frieda Kropp 1899-1984 St Paul's Church Nov 2-1921 5-John Andrew (Jack) 1899-1952 M Agnes Belanger 6-"Mae" Elizabeth 1901-1991 M Laurie Casey 1899-1980 7- Daniel Died two days old 8- John Daniel's twin Died two weeks old 9-Rose Elizabeth Died 3 months old Richard Tighe 1798-1873 and Catherine Smith 1797-1873 had 7 Children: 1- Richard 1833-1916 M Anna Nash 1842-1931 2- Thomas 3-John 1823 M Elizabeth Jonson 1827 4-Ellen 1817-1909 M John Dolan 1815-1865 5-Sarah 1834 M a Howlett 6-Judy 1834 M Michael Judge 7-Julia 1843 M a Blanchfield I found Sarah and Judy in the 1851 North Gower Census and Julia in the 1871 North Gower census. My uncle kept many family records , he told me Judy was adopted. Catherine (Kate) 1868-1883 . While sleep walking she fell into the Jock River and drowned. Ellen (Elizabeth) Cunningham, Kennedy, Britt had two children 1-Dorothy - unmarried 2-James According to Margurite (Carroll) Kennedy She and her Grandmother's youngest son James played together as children : They were around the same age. Taylor, you asked me to check the Tighe file you sent under SARAH Tighe. There were some comments regarding Theresa McGrath. I looked but couldn't find them. Joy
September 20, 2002: Thanks to Taylor Kennedy for sending along the following: To find all of the references to the Cunningham family and others on this web site, you should use the Search Engine. Hi Guys Like I said, I'm a slow typist. Here's 12 of 14 pages of Letters of Administration relating to the Personal Estate and Effects of John Cunningham. The other two pages relate to Michael Britt and Andrew Fogarty. Take care Taylor PAGE 1 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the lands of John Cunningham, deceased, I John Edward O'Meara of the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton, law student, make oath and say That I was personally present and did see the choice renunciations of Probate hereunto annexed duly signed sealed and executed by Catherine Celia Fitzsimmons, Margaret Jane Cunningham,Annie Cunningham and Elizabeth Carroll the parties thento. That the name Jas. E. O'Meara set and subscribed to the choice renunciations of Probate aforesaid as a witness thento is of the proper handwriting of me this deponent and the same were executed at the City of Ottawa aforesaid. Signed by John E. O'Meara. PAGE 2 - - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas I CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, wife of William Fitzsimmons of the same place being one of the lawful children and heirs at law of the said John Cunningham deceased having been requested to renounce all my right and title to letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of Elizabeth Britt mentioned in the Petition for letters of Administration herein. Now I the said CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS do hereby expressly renounce all my right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this, 27th day of February, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Catherine C. Fitzsimmons PAGE 3 - - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas we Margaret Jane Cunningham and Ann Cunningham of the Township of Nepean in the County of Carleton being two of the lawful children and heirs at law, and of full ages of nineteen and seventeen years respectively, having been requested to renounce all our right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of Elizabeth Britt mentioned in the Petition for letters of Administration herein. Now we the said MARGARET JANE CUNNINGHAM AND ANN CUNNINGHAM do hereby expressly renounce all OUR right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness we have hereunto set our hand and seal this, 3rd day of February, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Maggie Jane Cunningham and Annie Cunningham. PAGE 4 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas I ELIZABETH CARROLL, of the Village of North Wakefield in the County of Ottawa and the Province of Québec, wife of THOMAS CARROLL of the same place, Blacksmith, being one of the lawful children and heirs at law of the said John Cunningham, deceased, having been requested to renounce all my rights and title as such to letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of ELIZABETH BRITT mentioned in the petition for letters of Administration herein. Now I the said ELIZABETH CARROLL do hereby expressly renounce all my right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this, 5th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Mrs. Thomas Carroll. PAGE 5 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the goods of John Cunningham deceased. I CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton - Wife of William Fitzsimmons of the same place, Farmer, make oath and say : That I am one of the lawful children and heirs of the late John Cunningham of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton. At the time of his death he left the following children and only heirs at law namely JOHN CUNNINGHAM, MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM and ME this deponent by his first wife CATHERINE GILLINGHAM, and the following children as the sub and only issue of his second marriage with ELIZABETH CARROLL (now Mrs. Michael Britt) namely ELIZABETH CUNNINGHAM, MARGARET CUNNINGHAM and ANNIE CUNNINGHAM. I am the only child of the first marriage and alive, the said MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM having died about eight years ago without issue and the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM having died on or about the 22nd day of December last past - leaving him surviving his wife and the following children namely, JOHN CUNNINGHAM,PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, CATHERINE CUNNINGHAM, MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM and JOHN JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM. Long before the death of my said father he was in partnership with one RODERICK RYAN in the lumbering business and a disagreement having risen between them and was bought by my said father in refinance to the said partnership which as I am informed and believe resulted in a settlement the said Ryan having paid to my father the sum of Two Thousand Dollars or thereabouts. From several sources after frequent inquiring I have been informed that one PATRICK SMITH, formerly a lawyer of the City of Ottawa was in company with my father at the time or shortly after the said money was received and accompanied my father to the Quebec Bank in Ottawa to deposit the same to his credit there. Shortly afterwards, probably six or eight months my said father died without leaving any will or having in any way disposed of his property and my late brother from and after my fathers death always had custody of the Bank Book showing the amount to my said father's credit. I am advised and believe that the money so deposited and appearing to the credit of my late father is the identical money received from the aforesaid RODERICK RYAN and the same was not held by him as trusted for any other person or persons, but was his own absolute property. I am advised and believe that such money is still held in the Quebec Bank in Ottawa to my late father's credit and that it together with the interest, since accumulated amounts to in or about the sum of Three Thousand Dollars. Signed by Catherine C. Fitzsimmons, February 27, 1886. PAGE 6 - Office of the Surrogate Court - In the goods of John Cunningham deceased, named in a certain Notice of Application for a grant of Letters of Administration, dated the 16th day of February, A.D.1886, as late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, farmer. I, Sir James Lukin Robinson, the Surrogate Clerk, do hereby certify, that no Notice of Application, in respect of the Goods of the said deceased, has been received by me from any of the Registras of the Surrogate Courts in Ontario save the above, from the Surrogate Court for this County of Carleton for a grant of Letters of Administration. And I futher certify, that no Caveat or copy of Caveat against the grant of Probate or Administration on the Goods of the deceased, has been lodged with or received by me. Dated the 17th day of February A.D.1886 PAGE 7 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. The Petition of ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of Michael Britt, of the same place farmer. HUMBLY SHEWETH That John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, farmer, deceased, died on or about the end of February or the beginning of March in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy one, at the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, and that the said deceased at the time of his death had his place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. That the said deceased died INTESTATE, without having left any Will, Codicil, or Testamentary Paper whatever, and that your Petitioner is his lawful widow (Having since his decease remarried with one MICHAEL BRITT).That the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased which he in any way died possessed of, or entitled to, and for, and in respect to which Letters of Administration are requested to be granted, are of or about the value of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars to the best of your Petitioners knowledge, information and belief. Wherefore your Petitioner prays that administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased, may be granted and committed to by this Honourable Court. Dated this 15th day of February A.D.1886. PAGE 8 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say that I am the widow of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased having since his death intermarried with the above mentioned MICHAEL BRITT. That the deceased died about the end of February or the beginning of March, in the year of Our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy one at the Township of Gloucester, and that the said deceased at the time of his death had his fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. Elizabeth could not write. PAGE 9 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That I am the Petitioner for Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the late JOHN CUNNINGHAM. That the Personal Estate of Effects of the said deceased which he in anyway died possessed of or entitled to and for and in respect to which Letters of Administration are to be granted are of or about the value of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 10 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That I am the party applying for administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton. That I made diligent and careful search in all places where the deceased usually kept his papers and his depositories in order to ascertain whether the deceased had or had not left any Will, but that I have been unable to discover any Will, Codicil or Testamentary Paper, and I verily believe that the deceased died without having left any Will, Codicil, or Testamentary Paper whatsoever. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 11 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, deceased, died about the end of February or the beginning of March, A.D.1871, leaving me, this deponent, his widow.(having since intermarried with the above named MICHAEL BRITT), MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM, KATE CUNNINGHAM, JOHN CUNNINGHAM, ELIZA CUNNINGHAM, MAGGIE JANE CUNNINGHAM, JANE CUNNINGHAM and ANNE CUNNINGHAM. His only children surviving. MARY ANN and JOHN having since died. That at the time of the death of my said husband, I did not know what amount of Personal Estate he was owner of and have all along since the time of his said decease been unaware of what it amounted to until advised by MR. MAHONY about a week ago, who informed me that there was a sum of money to my late husbands credit in the Quebec Bank Ottawa amounting to about the sum of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 12 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, deceased, died about the end of February or the beginning of March, A.D.1871. I being his then widow having since intermarried with the above named MICHAEL BRITT. That I am the Petitioners for the Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. That I will administer faithfully the personal estate and effects od the deceased, by paying his just debts, and distributing the residue (if any) of his estate according to law. And that I will exhibit a true and perfect inventory of all singular the personal estate and effects, rights and credits of the said deceased, and render a just and true account of my administration whenever required by law so to do. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. ... Taylor
September 21, 2002: Hi Everyone; I was very interested in reading all of your E-Mails regarding the Cunningham family, and from Taylor's listing of the Descendants of John Cunningham, I went searching through the 1881 Census CD (LDS)for any traces of the Cunningham family, there are many Cunninghams, throughout the Ottawa valley, Pontiac and Gatineau, however from Taylor's Listing of John Cunningham (son of John Cunningham and Catherine Gillingham) Family, I spotted what appears to be John's family in the 1881 Census as follows: 1881 Census: Census Place: Gloucester, Russell, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375865, NAC C-13229, Dist 104, SubDist E, Div 4, Page 16, Family 64 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace John CUNNINGHAM M M 67 Irish O Occ: St. Agent Religion: Catholic Bridget CUNNINGHAM F M 30 Irish O (nee CHRISTOPHER) Religion: Catholic John CUNNINGHAM M 8 Irish O Religion: Catholic Bartholmew CUNNINGHAM M 6 Irish O Religion: Catholic Patrick CUNNINGHAM M 6 Irish O Religion: Catholic Michael CUNNINGHAM M 3 Irish O Religion: Catholic Catherine CUNNINGHAM F 1 Irish O Religion: Catholic Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM F 7 Irish O Religion: Catholic Except for the last two children Mary Ann and John Joseph (from Taylor's listing), who were probably born after the 1881 Census, and the addition of Elizabeth Cunningham, age 7 in the 1881 Census with this family, the other children in the Census are identical to Taylor's listing, this appears to be the correct John Cunningham, son of John Cunningham and Catherine Gillingham, however with this John's age as listed 67 years old, he would have been born about 1814 and died 22 Dec 1885. Therefore His father John Cunningham and Mother Catherine Gillingham would have been married before 1814. I would also assume that John's wifes name was Bridget, and her age was only 30 years old, making her born about 1851. I also ran across another listing in the 1881 Census, and this was a Catherine Cunningham, however she lists her age as being only 80 years old in 1818, making her birth year about 1801, and Catherine Gillingham was listed as being born around 1791. 1881Census: Place: Torbolton, Carleton, Ontario, Canada Source: FHL Film 1375867, NAC C-13231, Dist 108, SubDist H, Page 14, Family 57 Sex Marr Age Origin Birthplace Cath. CUNNINGHAM F W 80 Irish Ireland Religion: Catholic Except for the age difference, this could well be Catherine Gillingham, first wife to John Cunningham. Ken Armstrong =================== Ken: Thanks for the above info. I wasn't aware that there was such an age difference between John and his wife Bridget. I've added a link for Bridget Cunningham to your census data (above). She was Bridget CHRISTOPHER, a daughter of my Great-Great-Grandfather, Patrick CHRISTOPHER, who farmed on the Stage Coach Road, south of what is today the Mitch Owens Road. ... Al
September 25, 2002: Hi Guys Like I said, I'm a slow typist. Here's 12 of 14 pages of Letters of Administration relating to the Personal Estate and Effects of John Cunningham. The other two pages relate to Michael Britt and Andrew Fogarty. Take care Taylor PAGE 1 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the lands of John Cunningham, deceased, I John Edward O'Meara of the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton, law student, make oath and say That I was personally present and did see the choice renunciations of Probate hereunto annexed duly signed sealed and executed by Catherine Celia Fitzsimmons, Margaret Jane Cunningham,Annie Cunningham and Elizabeth Carroll the parties thento. That the name Jas. E. O'Meara set and subscribed to the choice renunciations of Probate aforesaid as a witness thento is of the proper handwriting of me this deponent and the same were executed at the City of Ottawa aforesaid. Signed by John E. O'Meara. PAGE 2 - - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas I CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, wife of William Fitzsimmons of the same place being one of the lawful children and heirs at law of the said John Cunningham deceased having been requested to renounce all my right and title to letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of Elizabeth Britt mentioned in the Petition for letters of Administration herein. Now I the said CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS do hereby expressly renounce all my right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this, 27th day of February, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Catherine C. Fitzsimmons PAGE 3 - - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas we Margaret Jane Cunningham and Ann Cunningham of the Township of Nepean in the County of Carleton being two of the lawful children and heirs at law, and of full ages of nineteen and seventeen years respectively, having been requested to renounce all our right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of Elizabeth Britt mentioned in the Petition for letters of Administration herein. Now we the said MARGARET JANE CUNNINGHAM AND ANN CUNNINGHAM do hereby expressly renounce all OUR right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness we have hereunto set our hand and seal this, 3rd day of February, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Maggie Jane Cunningham and Annie Cunningham. PAGE 4 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton, Whereas John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, died on or about the end of February or beginning of March, one thousand eight hundred and seventy intestate and a married man and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. And whereas I ELIZABETH CARROLL, of the Village of North Wakefield in the County of Ottawa and the Province of Québec, wife of THOMAS CARROLL of the same place, Blacksmith, being one of the lawful children and heirs at law of the said John Cunningham, deceased, having been requested to renounce all my rights and title as such to letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased in favor of ELIZABETH BRITT mentioned in the petition for letters of Administration herein. Now I the said ELIZABETH CARROLL do hereby expressly renounce all my right and title to Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased. In witness I have hereunto set my hand and seal this, 5th day of March, one thousand eight hundred and eighty six. Signed by Mrs. Thomas Carroll. PAGE 5 - In the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the goods of John Cunningham deceased. I CATHERINE CELIA FITZSIMMONS of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton - Wife of William Fitzsimmons of the same place, Farmer, make oath and say : That I am one of the lawful children and heirs of the late John Cunningham of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton. At the time of his death he left the following children and only heirs at law namely JOHN CUNNINGHAM, MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM and ME this deponent by his first wife CATHERINE GILLINGHAM, and the following children as the sub and only issue of his second marriage with ELIZABETH CARROLL (now Mrs. Michael Britt) namely ELIZABETH CUNNINGHAM, MARGARET CUNNINGHAM and ANNIE CUNNINGHAM. I am the only child of the first marriage and alive, the said MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM having died about eight years ago without issue and the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM having died on or about the 22nd day of December last past - leaving him surviving his wife and the following children namely, JOHN CUNNINGHAM,PATRICK CUNNINGHAM, MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM, CATHERINE CUNNINGHAM, MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM and JOHN JOSEPH CUNNINGHAM. Long before the death of my said father he was in partnership with one RODERICK RYAN in the lumbering business and a disagreement having risen between them and was bought by my said father in refinance to the said partnership which as I am informed and believe resulted in a settlement the said Ryan having paid to my father the sum of Two Thousand Dollars or thereabouts. From several sources after frequent inquiring I have been informed that one PATRICK SMITH, formerly a lawyer of the City of Ottawa was in company with my father at the time or shortly after the said money was received and accompanied my father to the Quebec Bank in Ottawa to deposit the same to his credit there. Shortly afterwards, probably six or eight months my said father died without leaving any will or having in any way disposed of his property and my late brother from and after my fathers death always had custody of the Bank Book showing the amount to my said father's credit. I am advised and believe that the money so deposited and appearing to the credit of my late father is the identical money received from the aforesaid RODERICK RYAN and the same was not held by him as trusted for any other person or persons, but was his own absolute property. I am advised and believe that such money is still held in the Quebec Bank in Ottawa to my late father's credit and that it together with the interest, since accumulated amounts to in or about the sum of Three Thousand Dollars. Signed by Catherine C. Fitzsimmons, February 27, 1886. PAGE 6 - Office of the Surrogate Court - In the goods of John Cunningham deceased, named in a certain Notice of Application for a grant of Letters of Administration, dated the 16th day of February, A.D.1886, as late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, farmer. I, Sir James Lukin Robinson, the Surrogate Clerk, do hereby certify, that no Notice of Application, in respect of the Goods of the said deceased, has been received by me from any of the Registras of the Surrogate Courts in Ontario save the above, from the Surrogate Court for this County of Carleton for a grant of Letters of Administration. And I futher certify, that no Caveat or copy of Caveat against the grant of Probate or Administration on the Goods of the deceased, has been lodged with or received by me. Dated the 17th day of February A.D.1886 PAGE 7 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. The Petition of ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of Michael Britt, of the same place farmer. HUMBLY SHEWETH That John Cunningham, late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, farmer, deceased, died on or about the end of February or the beginning of March in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and seventy one, at the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton, and that the said deceased at the time of his death had his place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. That the said deceased died INTESTATE, without having left any Will, Codicil, or Testamentary Paper whatever, and that your Petitioner is his lawful widow (Having since his decease remarried with one MICHAEL BRITT).That the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased which he in any way died possessed of, or entitled to, and for, and in respect to which Letters of Administration are requested to be granted, are of or about the value of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars to the best of your Petitioners knowledge, information and belief. Wherefore your Petitioner prays that administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said deceased, may be granted and committed to by this Honourable Court. Dated this 15th day of February A.D.1886. PAGE 8 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say that I am the widow of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased having since his death intermarried with the above mentioned MICHAEL BRITT. That the deceased died about the end of February or the beginning of March, in the year of Our Lord on thousand eight hundred and seventy one at the Township of Gloucester, and that the said deceased at the time of his death had his fixed place of abode at the Township of Gloucester in the said County of Carleton. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. Elizabeth could not write. PAGE 9 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That I am the Petitioner for Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the late JOHN CUNNINGHAM. That the Personal Estate of Effects of the said deceased which he in anyway died possessed of or entitled to and for and in respect to which Letters of Administration are to be granted are of or about the value of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 10 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That I am the party applying for administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester, in the County of Carleton. That I made diligent and careful search in all places where the deceased usually kept his papers and his depositories in order to ascertain whether the deceased had or had not left any Will, but that I have been unable to discover any Will, Codicil or Testamentary Paper, and I verily believe that the deceased died without having left any Will, Codicil, or Testamentary Paper whatsoever. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 11 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, deceased, died about the end of February or the beginning of March, A.D.1871, leaving me, this deponent, his widow.(having since intermarried with the above named MICHAEL BRITT), MARY ANN CUNNINGHAM, KATE CUNNINGHAM, JOHN CUNNINGHAM, ELIZA CUNNINGHAM, MAGGIE JANE CUNNINGHAM, JANE CUNNINGHAM and ANNE CUNNINGHAM. His only children surviving. MARY ANN and JOHN having since died. That at the time of the death of my said husband, I did not know what amount of Personal Estate he was owner of and have all along since the time of his said decease been unaware of what it amounted to until advised by MR. MAHONY about a week ago, who informed me that there was a sum of money to my late husbands credit in the Quebec Bank Ottawa amounting to about the sum of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy dollars. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province. PAGE 12 - Unto the Surrogate Court of the County of Carleton. In the Goods of JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. I ELIZABETH BRITT, of the Township of Nepean, in the County of Carleton, wife of MICHAEL BRITT of the same place, farmer, make oath and say: That JOHN CUNNINGHAM late of the Township of Gloucester in the County of Carleton, deceased, died about the end of February or the beginning of March, A.D.1871. I being his then widow having since intermarried with the above named MICHAEL BRITT. That I am the Petitioners for the Letters of Administration of the Personal Estate and Effects of the said JOHN CUNNINGHAM, deceased. That I will administer faithfully the personal estate and effects od the deceased, by paying his just debts, and distributing the residue (if any) of his estate according to law. And that I will exhibit a true and perfect inventory of all singular the personal estate and effects, rights and credits of the said deceased, and render a just and true account of my administration whenever required by law so to do. Sworn at the City of Ottawa in the County of Carleton the 15th day of February A.D.1886, before me L.A. OLIVER. Note : The same having been first read over and explained to her and she approving to fully understand the same and she made her mark in my Province.
September 25, 2002: Hi Guys Joy - Correction for your records - Teresa Kennedy daughter of Elizabeth Carroll and William Kennedy did die at the age of fifteen. I have her Probate. She was to be sent to her Guardian parents Thomas Carroll and Elizabeth Cunningham. It lists what she had, were she lived and there is no mistaking it is her. As for the noted under Sarah Tighe, it was in relation to the witnesses for her marriage, one of which was Theresa McGrath. I still have 2 more pages of John Cunningham Letters to type up, then I can start back on Elizabeth Carrolls. Her's is a long one also. I am very interested in those descendents that you know of Michael William. Did you find anything on Martha?? I wondering if it was a child from John Kennedy's descendents in Huntley. So much to do, so little time, huh. Ken - welcome aboard - you information will come in handy. I'll get it entered over the weekend. Tommorrow - finally a WHOLE DAY at the archives. Hope I hit a gold mine. Take care for now Taylor
also posted September 25, 2002: From Ken Armstrong: To All; Please find at this link all of the Cunninghams in the Ottawa and surrounding areas, and I have only listed the ones that have indicated their Religion is Roman Catholic, there were a few of Irish Origin that indicate other Religions, and quite a few with Scottish Origin, but I have not included them in this listing. Ken Armstrong
December 21, 2003: To everyone getting this e-mail, Apologies first of all for sketchy details--I'm doing this from work and my papers are not with me... I stumbled across your website while looking for my father-in-law, and was excited to see so much exchange on this family. You see, my wife's great-grandmother was Anastasia (Annie, Anne) CUNNINGHAM, daughter of John CUNNINGHAM and Elizabeth CARROLL, who married John MCCRANK in Farrellton, Que. John and Annie (CUNNINGHAM) MCCRANK had children baptized in Farrellton and Masham before moving to Fort Frances, Ontario in the late 1880s. John died in 1937 in Fort Frances and Annie died in 1953 (I think she was living with her daughter in International Falls, Minnesota). Most of their children migrated to the States, including my wife's grandfather Patrick, who followed an older sibling to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he raised a family and where my wife, Sarah MCCRANK, was born. I was at a conference in Toronto last summer and had an opportunity to research at the Archives of Ontario, where I found many records, including the 1886 document asserting John CUNNINGHAM's interest in the money deposited in the bank earned from his suit against Roderick Ryan. The documents mentioning 'Annie,' who was 17 years old at the time (though it was always thought she was actually born in 1863...), fully confirmed her as my wife's great-grandmother! Family lore about the CUNNINGHAMs was pretty sparse by the time I began researching my wife's family history in the 1980s. It was recalled that the CUNNINGHAMs were definitely 'lace curtain' and not 'shanty' Irish...the CARROLLs were remembered...it was also recalled that Elizabeth remarried a BRITT, and that a descendant of that family was the well-known country singer Elton BRITT...dunno if there's any truth to that. For anyone else within reading range who has an oar in the water with the MCCRANKs, the John who married Anastasia was descended not from the pioneer John MCCRANK who married Bridget BROWN, but rather from John's brother James MCCRANK, who married Margaret MATCHETT. I noted in my research of the CUNNINGHAMs in Toronto this summer that there was more than one John CUNNINGHAM, including one who was an army veteran. I wasn't able to necessarily untangle which ones were kin or not, so I'm glad you folks have been able to. In any event, I'd be happy to be in touch with anyone who can enlighten me on the CUNNINGHAM connection we have, and I would in turn be happy to share research on our branch if interested--my notes are in somewhat of a tangle, but nothing like anxious cousins on the other end for motivation! Don Litzer Head of Adult Services McMillan Memorial Library 490 E. Grand Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 (715) 423-1040
January 9, 2004: Happy New Year! You may recall, I'm the researcher from Wisconsin whose wife's great-grandmother was Anastasia (Annie) (CUNNINGHAM) MCCRANK, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (CARROLL) CUNNINGHAM KENNEDY BRITT. I'm still kind of stunned having stumbled across you guys through a Google search... Just a few questions, if I may: 1) For Al especially, since his line is closest to this branch, but any of you can take a shot: Regarding John CUNNINGHAM the younger (ca.1848-1885) who was married to Bridget CHRISTOPHER (a daughter of Al's great-great-grandfather) and who had all eight of those kids from John to Bartholemew...does anyone know what happened to Bridget and her family? Did she remarry? Are there CUNNINGHAMs out there descended from this branch? 2) For any of you: Taylor got my rapt attention when he wrote me that his records showed a "Joseph MCCRANK, born ca. 1775 in Scotland," to be the father of immigrant James Joseph MCCRANK (husb. of Mary Margaret MATCHETT), grandfather of James Joseph MCCRANK (husb. of Mary CARROLL) and great-grandfather of John MCCRANK (husb. of Anastasia CUNNINGHAM) and James Andrew MCCRANK (husb. of Mary Alice KENNEDY)... I've got a MCCRANK cousin that scoured the Upper Ottawa Valley for MCCRANKs, and HE hadn't come up with Joseph from Scotland. Obviously, I'd like to figure out the source for his information on Joseph--this would support a theory I've developed about the pre-Antrim County origins of the family. Taylor recalled that he may have gotten this info from a "Joy Carroll," or "another fellow from Farrellton." I would get on the phone in a heartbeat if someone was able to tell me if Joy Carroll is still on this Earth. (It reminds me of a story about one of Anastasia's sons, fresh from the woods, who once expressed that he'd kiss someone's a** for a piece of gooseberry pie:) Needless to say, any help you can provide would be appreciated! 3) For any of you, You folks have obviously scoured records from all over for information on CUNNINGHAMs, CARROLLs, and the lot. One source that doesn't seem to show up in your e-mail traffic, however, are the church records for South Gloucester. Has anyone looked at these? While it appears from the LDS' summary that fire destroyed the early books, I would still think there'd be stuff to uncover there. In fact, if I recall correctly, I believe Catherine (CUNNINGHAM) FITZSIMMONS is buried there. 4) For any of you, Am I correct that no one has determined with certainty who the parents of thrice-married Elizabeth (CARROLL) CUNNINGHAM KENNEDY BRITT were? I'd appreciate a good head-slap reality check if I'm missing this as I pore through the e-mail traffic. Meanwhile, if anyone cares for my MCCRANK lines, let me know. The database is under construction, but I'll entertain questions about it. I look forward to your consideration of the foregoing, and thanks! Don Litzer _______________________________ From Taylor Kennedy: The information regarding McCrank from Scotland, came from a man in Quebec, Ron (Ray?) Daly, who's computer crashed, who had done extensive research into this family. The backup was not identified, and I did not question it. I had sent you some, not all the information on John and Elizabeth. I was somewhat expecting a continuence of the McCrank information back to me, as to where your wife fits in. Wisconsin was a popular place for Canadians to emigrate to, as the Playter family did. The Brazeau family were also very big in numbers there. I have provided Lori, from Wisconsin, the entire data base for Playters as they became very popular with regards to business there. It's nice to see Wisconsin is online with the rest of us. I did do a surname search for Cunningham, and came up blank. I hope I have answered some questions asked and not asked. Take care for now TAYLOR KENNEDY ________________________________ Hi Don My husband is the Great Grandson of Elizabeth Ellen Carroll and John Cunningham. Elizabeth (Cunningham) Carroll and Anne (Cunningham) McCrank are sisters. I found some of the McCrank information from the Farrellton Records and some from Ray Daly from Farrellton.I have been to Farrellton several times. Ray gave me a grand tour of the homes and places of interest in Farrellton. If I can help let me know. Joy
October 6, 2004: Hi Al I came across this cemetery inscription. This is John Cunningham's daughter with his first wife. She is mentioned in the Letters of Administration. Take care Taylor Our Lady of Visitation – Gloucester – Concession 4, Lot 28 Emmett Fitzsimmons 1880 – 1955 Rose Fitzsimmons 1886 – 1967 In memory of William Fitzsimmons, died March 12, 1875, aged 65 years, Also his loving wife Elizabeth Lawson died May 21, 1900 aged 88 years. Natives of Co. Armagh, Drumgar, Ireland. May their souls rest in peace. William Fitzsimmons, died October 20, 1919, aged 86 years, his wife CATHERINE CUNNINGHAM died February 10, 1923, aged 83 years. This Catherine Cunningham is the daughter of John Cunningham and his first wife Catherine Gillingham. Her full name was Catherine Celia Cunningham. ... Taylor
February 27, 2008: See the McCann page, (material dated February 26, 2008), for a possible list of labourers who may have worked on the railroad at Gloucester Station in 1851.

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