James Adams Cunningham | |
---|---|
Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
In office July 1865 – December 1865 |
|
Adjutant General of Massachusetts | |
In office 1867–1879 |
|
Preceded by | William Schouler |
Personal details | |
Born |
Boston, Massachusetts |
November 27, 1830
Died | July 17, 1892 Chelsea, Massachusetts |
(aged 61)
Resting place | Oak Grove Cemetery, Gloucester, Massachusetts |
Nationality | American |
Spouse(s) | Ann Eliza Lane |
Military service | |
Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
Service/branch | Union Army |
Years of service | 1861 – 1865 |
Rank |
Lieutenant Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
Commands |
|
Battles/wars | American Civil War |
James Adams Cunningham (November 27, 1830 – July 17, 1892) was a volunteer officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
Serving as a company commander in the 1st Battalion Massachusetts Infantry (which later became the 32nd Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry) on garrison duty at Fort Warren in Boston, Cunningham was transferred with his unit to the battle front in the spring of 1862. He fought in numerous battles with the Army of the Potomac, eventually taking command of the 32nd Massachusetts in 1864. In the closing days of the war, Cunningham distinguished himself during the Appomattox Campaign, earning the award of the honorary grade of brevet brigadier general. During the Battle of Appomattox Court House, Cunningham received the flag of surrender sent by General Robert E. Lee.
After the war, Cunningham served with the Massachusetts General Court and as Adjutant General of Massachusetts.
Born in Boston in 1830, James Cunningham moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts as a young man and took up a career as a stagecoach driver. He married Ann Eliza Lane of New Jersey and had two children before the Civil War.