Frederick G. Cunningham
Early Life
Frederic Guthrie Cunningham was born on October 22, 1889, in New York City, New York, the son of Frederic Guthrie Cunningham and Eliza Thankful Lyman. His early life was marked by loss, as his mother died in 1901 and his father in 1906, after which he was raised within extended family and educational institutions that reflected a privileged upbringing.
He was educated at the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, an institution known for preparing young men for leadership in business and public life. In time, Cunningham developed connections to Rye, New York, including residence at the Apawamis Club, placing him within the socially prominent and well-connected segment of the community.
World War I Service
Cunningham entered military service on November 27, 1917, at Plattsburgh, New York, as part of the Army’s officer training system, which prepared candidates for leadership roles in the rapidly expanding wartime force.
He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry and later promoted to First Lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps on June 4, 1918. His training and service included assignments at major Army installations such as Camp Lee, Virginia, and Camp Stanley, Texas.
These camps were central to the Army’s mobilization effort, providing intensive instruction in leadership, tactics, and logistics for newly commissioned officers. As part of this system, Cunningham contributed to the preparation and organization of troops during a critical period of the war.
His service remained within the United States, and he did not deploy overseas. His record indicates that he sustained no wounds in action. He was honorably discharged on November 27, 1918.
Life After Service
Following the war, Cunningham pursued a career in business and finance, working as a Wall Street broker and later with the International Mercantile Marine Company in New York. His professional life reflected the continued connection between his background and the financial and commercial institutions of the city.
He maintained residences in both New York City and Greenwich, Connecticut, and in his later years lived at 18 Elm Street in Greenwich, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter G. Close. He also retained connections to Rye through social and club affiliations, including residence at the Apawamis Club.
Frederic Guthrie Cunningham died on November 4, 1934, at Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, Connecticut, at the age of 45.
He was predeceased by his parents and was survived by his daughter, Barbara Treat Cunningham.
His funeral was held at Christ Episcopal Church in Greenwich, and he was buried at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, New York.
Record Commentary: Strong officer training profile with excellent context on Plattsburgh system and major training camps. Narrative effectively captures elite social background and postwar financial career. Clean, well-balanced, and historically grounded.
Tier Rating: A