Russell McWhortor Cunningham

Russell McWhortor Cunningham (August 25, 1855 – June 6, 1921) was an American Democratic politician who was the acting Governor of Alabama from April 25, 1904, to March 5, 1905. He was lieutenant governor when Governor William D. Jelks fell ill and left the state for treatment, and since the Alabama Constitution requires that if the governor leave the state for more than 20 days, the lieutenant governor must act as governor until their return.

Russell McWhortor Cunningham
Acting Governor of Alabama
In office April 25, 1904 – March 5, 1905 During Governor William Jelks' medical leave
5th Lieutenant Governor of Alabama
In office 1903–1907
Governor	William Jelks
Preceded by	Robert F. Ligon (1876)
Succeeded by	Henry B. Gray
Member of the Alabama Senate
In office 1896–1900
Member of the Alabama House of Representatives
In office 1880–1881
Personal details
Born	August 25, 1855 Mount Hope, Lawrence County, Alabama
Died	June 6, 1921 (aged 65) Birmingham, Alabama
Political party	Democratic
Profession	Surgeon, Physician

Although he was de jure only an interim chief of the state administration, because he served as Acting Governor for nearly a year, he is regarded as one of the Alabama Governor by the state government, and his portrait hanging along other Governor's portrait, as well as he figured on official state site alongside them. Cunningham is buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

Cunningham served in the Alabama House of Representatives 1880–1881. In 1896–1900, he served in the Alabama State Senate and was president of the senate. He also served in the Alabama Constitutional Convention of 1901.[1]