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William Cunningham

Cunningham-William-cropped.jpg
William Cunningham, 1993

Dates: 1917–2010

Family: Fossett (Hemings)

Residence (at time of interview): Chillicothe, OH

William Cunningham, who worked for many years for the Meade Corporation, was living at the time of his interview in the house in which he was born, across the street from the house lived in by his great-grandparents Tucker and Ann-Elizabeth Isaacs.  He participated in the Getting Word project to honor his mother, Ann Elizabeth Isaacs Cunningham, who attended Boston Music School and was a church organist.  He and his wife, Mae Catherine Wingo, raised six children.  When asked how he felt about Thomas Jefferson, he replied “I would like to know more about Mary Hemings than hear all the talk about him.” 

 

 

Interview Information

29 Dec. 1993, Chillicothe, OH
Interviewee: William Cunningham

19 July 1995, Chillicothe, OH
Interviewees: William Cunningham, Wilmetta Cunningham Austin

Excerpts

(audio)
“My grandmother was the wealthiest colored woman in this town”

William Cunningham recalls the real estate holdings of Anne Elizabeth Chancellor Isaacs.

Theme: Property

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(audio)
“Worked and made my own”

William Cunningham recalls his grandmother encouraging self-sufficiency.

Themes: Achievement, Family

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(audio)
“She was fair”

William Cunningham describes his mother, Anne Elizabeth Isaacs Cunningham.

Theme: Family

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Ancestry

  • Elizabeth Hemings 1735–1807
  •  
  • Mary Hemings Bell 1753–post 1834
  •  
  • Joseph Fossett 1780–1858
  •  
  • Ann-Elizabeth Fossett Isaacs 1812–1902
  •  
  • William Cunningham 1917–2010

Related People

  • Ann-Elizabeth Fossett Isaacs great-grandmother
  • Tucker Isaacs  great-grandfather
  • Mary Hemings Bell  ancestor
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