James D. Cunningham

James Dalton Cunningham (May 5, 1887 – July 25, 1963) was an American manufacturer, president of the Republic Flow Meters Co. in Chicago, and inventor, who served as the 69th president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Biography Youth, education and early career Cunningham was born in Chicago in 1887, son of William H. Cunningham and Josephine (Dalton) Cunningham. His father was manager with the Fire Association of Philadelphia, now Reliance Insurance Company. He lost his mother at the age of 5 and his father at 13. When he graduated from Hyde Park High School at 18, his grandfather James P. Dalton offered to pay his studies at the Armour Institute. However, he declined with thanks.

Further career and recognition In 1911, Cunningham was founder and president of the Steam Appliance Company, manufacturer of industrial instruments and controls in Chicago. The company was later renamed Republic Flow Meters Company, and in the 1930s Cunningham became chairman of the board. In the year 1950-51, he also served as president of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Cunningham was awarded the honorary doctorate of engineering by the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1946, and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1950.

Publications James D. Cunningham. "Education and Industry vs. Manpower," in: Power Engineering, Volume 46-48. Technical Publishing Company, 1942. p. 51

Patents, a selection "Patent US2073143 - Chart," March 9, 1937. "Patent US2119950 - Recording instrument," June 7, 1938. "Patent US2152303 - Recording instrument," March 28, 1938.