The Alamo Defenders: Robert W. Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, ROBERT W.

 (1804?-1836)

Although born in New York (and it’s unclear whether that was in 1804 or 1806), Robert W. Cunningham lived with his family (parents David and Anna Cunningham) in various states including Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas before arriving in Texas.

His journey started in 1832 when he worked as a cargo flatboatman on the Mississippi River in New Orleans.  His original plans – as expressed through letters to his family – indicated he would stay in New Orleans.  However, by March of 1833, he had moved to Texas.  He received title to a league of land on Skull Creek in Austin’s Colony.  He remained unmarried.

In 1836, Cunningham wrote to his family advising them about his enlistment in the Texas Army. He took in the siege of Bexar as a sergeant and second gunner in Capt. T. L. F. Parrott's artillery company.  He remained in Bexar after the battle as a private in Capt. W. R. Carey's artillery company. He died in battle on March 6, 1836.

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