George Cunningham
Middle Street
Crown Court
Occupation: Mariner
It was the discovery of this letter in the Kent Archives that sparked our interest in George Cunningham. The item was hidden amongst a collection of papers attributed to Mercer the solicitors of Queen Street, Deal. On reading the correspondence we immediately conjured up an image of George Cunningham as one of Deal’s characters and therefore further research was definitely required!
George was born, in Deal, in 1749. He was baptised in St Leonard’s Church in May and was the son of George Cunningham and his second wife, Sarah nee Hammond. His father, another George, was a Pilot.
George’s occupation was given as a mariner when he is married on 29th January 1774 to Catherine Meakins or Mackin in St Leonard’s Church. Catherine’s maiden name changes throughout the various entries on Find My Past and Ancestry depending on how the transcriber interprets it. There is a distinct lack of ‘Meakins’ in Deal at this time but a plethora of ‘Mackins ‘so I would suggest this is the correct spelling of the name. Theirs seems to be a long and happy marriage, with them producing 10 children by the end of the 18th Century. Unfortunately, George outlived three of his children and must have struggled with Kitty falling pregnant with an illegitimate child in 1802. He would have been relieved when she married in 1803. Her husband Claude Urbain outlived Kitty and went on to marry her sister, Hannah.
George is mentioned many times in his father’s will – written in 1787. He was named as executor and benefitted from George snr’s investments and took over the lease of his father’s property. In the 1821 census he is living in Crown Court.
The letter is written by George the year before he dies and is clearly one from a man who wants to enjoy his last Christmas, with his family around him, and a ‘piece of beef’. Who wouldn’t?
We are still to discover if this is a letter requesting a loan from the solicitor or does Mr Mercer act as his private bank. Is he requesting money from his savings?
Transcription of the above letter from George Cunningham to Mr Mercer. Solicitor of Deal.
December 23rd 1838
Mr George Cunningham
Humble respects to Mr Mercer and hopes he will not think him intruding on his goodness. When he solicits his favours. To advance him two pounds as he is in great need of a trifle. Particular being so near Christmas. He feels anxious wish to have small piece of beef on that day with his children as it seems by his infirmities it may be the last Christmas day he may ever be with them.
Trusting to your (goodness/kindness?) with complying with my humble request I remain your aged
Servant G Cunningham.
P.S Sir your answer will be thankfully received.
Name | Born | Baptised | Married | Died | Buried |
George Cunningham | 1749 | 31 May 1749 St. Leonard’s |
Catherine Mackins or Meakins 29 January 1774 St. Leonard’s Born 1749 |
1829 Middle Street |
9 November 1829 St. Leonard’s |
The Children of George Cunningham & Catherine Meakins
Name | Born | Baptised | Married | Died | Buried |
Sarah | 1775 | 6 January 1775 St.Leonard’s |
William Petty 12 April 1801 St. Leonard’s |
||
George | 1776 | 31 January 1776 St.Leonard’s |
Unknown | ||
Mary | 1779 | 31 March 1779 St.Leonard’s |
1797 | 17 December 1797 St.Leonard’s |
|
Catherine (Kitty) | 1781 | 31 March 1779 St.Leonard’s |
Charles Urbain 26 November 1803 St. Leonard’s |
1824 Parish of St. Mary’s, Dover |
11 June 1824 St.Leonard’s |
Elizabeth
Hannah |
1783
1781 |
4 April 1783 St. Leonard’s19 August 1785 St.Leonard’s |
1) John Marks 10 November 1802 St. Leonard’s2)Thomas Smith 9 January 1813 St. Leonards1) John Moorcroft 18 May 1806 St. Leonard’s 2) Claude Urbain |
1835 Walmer1833 Parish of St. Mary’s Dover |
19 August 1835 (Old) St.Mary’s, Walmer12 August 1833 St. Leonard’s |
William Hammond | 1787 | 12 September 1787 St.Leonard’s |
|||
Susannah | 1789 | 11 December 1789 St Leonard’s |
Stephen Arlott 3 November 1808 St. Leonard’s |
1846 Limekiln Street, Dover |
21 January St. Mary’s Church, Dover |
Daniel Mackins | 1792 | 13 April 1792 St Leonard’s | Unknown | 1840 Primrose Hill, Middle Street |
13 February 1840 St. Leonard’s |
Anne | 1794 | 12th March 1794. St Leonard’s |
John Evans 22 May 1813 St. Leonard’s |
1879 Woolwich |
Woolwich |
Louisa Jane | 1796 | 14th Sept 1796 St. Leonard’s |
1797 | 2 August 1797 St. Leonard’s |
Census
Year | Address | Name | Number of Males | Number of Females |
1801 | George Cunningham | 3 | 6 | |
1811 | 3 | 3 | ||
1821 | Crown Court | George Cunningham | 4 | 4 |
1831 |