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Peter L. Cunningham
Peter L. Cunningham (August 14, 1814 – April 22, 1899) was a one-term mayor of South Norwalk, Connecticut in 1883. He was born in New York City on August 14, 1814.[1] He came to Old Well (now South Norwalk), Connecticut in the spring of 1834.[1] In 1840, he organized the First Rifle Company (known as the Mohican Rifle Corps) of the Ninth Regiment, Fourth Brigade, C.S.S.[1] He was its commander for several years.[1] In 1858, he was appointed colonel on the staff of Governor William A.Buckingham.[1] In 1861, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Eighth Connecticut Volunteers, but resigned the commission after four months with an honorable discharge.[1] In that same year, he was elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives from Norwalk. He was a member of the Military Committee of the Legislature of Connecticut.[1] In that committee, he proposed that $3 million should be appropriated for the defense of the Union. That proposal was passed by both chambers of the legislature.[1] Another $3 million would subsequently be approved.[1] From 1877 to 1879, Cunningham served on the South Norwalk City Council as its senior member.[1] He served as mayor from 1883 to 1884.[1] He served as a director on the boards of the Central Nation Bank, the First National Bank, and the Norwalk Gas Company.[1] Associations
DeathOn April 22, 1899, Cunningham died suddenly while vising the Norwalk Hospital to view the building under construction.[1] He fell while walking down a decline at the back of the building, and died shortly thereafter.[1] The cause of death was believed to be apoplexy.[1] References |
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