Cumley, Benjamin C. 1848 - 1899

CUMLEY, HAWKIN, KOHLS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 1/14/2021 at 12:47:12

Elkader Register, Thur., 16 Nov. 1899. Clayton column.

Benjamin C. Cumley died last Thursday morning, Nov. 9th, 1899, of that dread destroyer consumption, from which he has suffered several months, resulting from a severe cold contracted some time last spring. At the beginning he gave his illness but little heed, but on growing into a more serious nature he began to resort to some cough remedies which afforded him but little relief, as it seems that the terrible germ had become deeply seated, and in the last two months of his life he rapidly grew weaker, but despite all his sufferings he would not consult a physician; on Wednesday, the day prior to his death he went to McGregor to consult a physician who had been highly recommended to him, to ascertain the true state of his case, but on his return in the afternoon of the same day we learned that the physician could not give him any encouragement or relief. No sign of despair was written on his face but a resignation had settled there that he was ready to join the great majority in the presence of our Almighty Father who doeth all things wisely and well. He attended to some light work in his shoeshop in the evening, but when called on by some friends the following morning he was found to be sinking rapidly, but still on his feet brewing some tea. After some time minutes he went to recline on his bed saying he would sleep a short time, at which he fell into a quiet slumber, passing peacefully into that everlasting sleep that knows no wakening, crossing that deep and dark valley to the beautiful shore where pain and sorrow do not follow, there to be reunited with his sainted mother, who preceded him to that eternal resting place many years ago.

Mr. Cumley was born in Green county, Pa., July 13, 1848, and when but an infant came with his parents to Monroe, Green county, Wis., arriving at that place in January 1850. In 1865 he came with his parents to Clayton county, making their home at McGregor, where as a youth he learned shoe and horse collar making, which vocation he followed for years, having been in the employ of A. B. Pearsall, of that city, for several years. He was also a member of the celebrated Walter Family Band, and traveled about extensively while engaged with them, also with circus bands traveling in the south in winter months.

He was married at Prairie du Chien in 1870, four daughters being the fruits of this union, of which little family he was justly proud and spared himself no pains in furnishing them all the comforts and pleasures in his power. but, alas for his efforts, a very dark cloud arose in his horizon, destroying all his peace and comfort and shattering all the fond hopes he entertained for his family. Arranging for the comfort of his beautiful children and bidding them sad farewell he journeyed to the extreme northern portion of Minnesota and Wisconsin, where he remained for a few years going from that country to Galesburg, Ill., in which city he became leader of an orchestra in an opera house where he also remained for a few years. Persecution became unbearable in that place, whereupon he came to Garnavillo for a visit with his sister. In August 1897 he came to Clayton where shortly after he organized Cumley's Harp Orchestra, of which he was leader to the day of his demise. He was widely known as a professional violinist, and counted his friends by hundreds, being ever ready to lend a helping hand to his fellowmen who all knew him as an honest, upright man.

Two sisters, Mrs. Geo. Hawkin, of Cottage Grove, Oregon, and Mrs. John Kohls, of McGregor, also his four daughters survive him, to mourn the loss of an affectionate brother and fond and indulgent father, who meets his great reward beyond earthly cares. The remains were interred in the Garnavillo cemetery, Rev. Kellet conducting the last sad rites in a most appropriate and touching ceremony. We commend his spirit to God who gave it, and may his eternal slumbers be unbroken.