John Henry (Jack) Cunningham

(1903 - 1994)

Nova Scotia

Jack Cunningham was born in Avondale, Pictou County on August 8, 1903 and spent his early years on his father's mixed farm where he learned at a young age the value of agriculture and developed a tremendous appreciation for the miracles of mother nature. In 1926 Jack, his brother Fred and father Robert went west on a harvest excursion and homesteaded in Saskatchewan raising Shorthoms for 15 years. He returned to New Glasgow in December 1941.

Jack was best known for his auctioneering abilities; cultivated under the watchful eye of his father. Over a forty year period, Jack moved to the forefront of agricultural sales in the Maritime Provinces. He became the most sought after agricultural auctioneer in all the Atlantic region. For 25 years, he sold at the Bridgewater Feeder Sale, 20 years for the Atlantic Winter Fair and was with Dr. Brian Nettleton during the early days of the Maritime Cattle Market. Each sale brought his unique style which featured his sharp Irish wit, his love and appreciation of livestock and an alert eye which could size quickly up a situation and make a sound judgement. He became a life long friend to agricultural people throughout Atlantic Canada. He was a man who represented soundness and fairness in the sales ring.

As owner of Shorthorn and Ayrshire cattle, fancy poultry and Clydesdale horses, he easily expounded upon pedigrees. Before selling other breeds and types of animals, he would study pedigrees.

In recent years, Jack shared many of his auctioneering experiences through a regular article in Farm Focus entitled, "Memories of a Country Auctioneer". In September of 1989 a book under the same title was published.

Jack married Willa Pushie in 1927. They have two daughters, Isabelle and Barbara, two sons Alex and Fred.

In addition to his anctioneering he found time to be an active member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow, Euclid Masonic Lodge, Pictou County Historical Society and Genealogical Society, honourary member of New Glasgow Rotary Club, and recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation. He was a former volunteer fireman with the Town of New Glasgow and enjoyed beekeeping.

Nominated by the Pictou - North Colchester Federation of Agriculture his many contributions merits recognition in the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.