Thomas Mayhew Cunningham was born in Savannah on January 30, 1869. He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1888 and was admitted to the bar in 1890, remaining a member for over 63 years. Cunningham served on the board of many cultural organizations throughout his life including the Georgia Historical Society, serving as president from 1931-1937. Cunningham died on October 16, 1953, and is buried in Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery.