Francis Alanson Cunningham was born in Abbeville District, SC, on November 9, 1804. In 1826, he moved to Eaton, Ohio, where he worked as a schoolteacher and also studied medicine. In 1829, he began practicing medicine. On July 7 of that same year, he married Mariah Campbell.

In 1833, Cunningham took another job as clerk for the court of Preble County, and his career began to turn toward politics rather than medicine. In 1844, he received the Democratic nomination over incumbent John Weller for United States representative of Ohio's second district. He won the election and served as a Representative in the 29th Congress in the Democratic Party. Cunningham lost the 1846 election, however, and afterward took up the study of law.

He was admitted to the bar in 1847 and began a law practice in Eaton, Ohio. President James Polk appointed him as an additional paymaster of Volunteers on December 30, 1847. On March 2, 1849, Cunningham was commissioned paymaster of the Regular Army. He continued serving in this role until he retired from active service in August of 1863.

On August 16, 1864, Francis Cunningham died in Eaton, Ohio, and was buried in Mount Hill Cemetery.

Sources:
Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
Preble County Ohio Marriage Index (1808-1859)

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