Thomaston in Upson County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Hillery C. Cunningham
1861-1936
| | From Poor, Humble Farmer to Philanthropist & Successful Land & Business Owner | |
Photographed by Mark Parker, January 7, 2025
1. Hillery C. Cunningham Marker
Info submitted by James McGill
Hillery C. Cunningham was born into slavery, on November 10, 1861. His parents were Good and Susan Cunningham and he was the second of five children. As a young man, he started off as a poor, humble farmer who grew cotton. Over time, Hillery, who became professionally known as "Hill" accumulated land, wealth, and established himself as one of the most successful businessmen in Upson County.
He held positions in the community which were unheard of for African Americans at that point in time, such as Treasurer of the Thomaston Chapter of the Red Cross (1918). More importantly, Cunningham gave back to his community. He was known to be a philanthropist, and was described as very liberal in the matter of churches and schools. In fact, shortly before his passing in 1936, he offered to donate $5,000 for a consolidated church school in the Logtown Community if the Board of Education would contribute a like sum. Mr. Hill passed away on July 19, 1936. His funeral was described in the Thomaston Times, July 24, 1936. Hundreds of people, white and black came to pay their respects to one of the
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 32° 53.282′ N, 84° 19.609′ W. Marker is in Thomaston, Georgia, in Upson County. It is on West Main Street (Georgia Route 74) west of North Center Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located at the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 W Main St, Thomaston GA 30286, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this
Photographed by Mark Parker, January 7, 2025
2. Hillery C. Cunningham Marker at the Thomaston-Upson Chamber of Commerce indicated by the arrow
Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 11, 2025, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
