CUMMINGS, John Jackson 1828 - 1917

CUMMINGS, STEEL

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 6/9/2006 at 11:44:32

"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Friday, March 9, 1917

J.J. CUMMINGS DIED SUDDENLY THIS MORNING

Three days after his celebration, in the best of health, of his 89th birthday, J. J. CUMMINGS (sic. full name John Jackson CUMMINGS) dropped dead this morning in the Court Hotel. Up until the moment of his taking off, Mr. CUMMINGS had enjoyed unusually good health, often walking two and three miles before breakfast. He was, in fact, planning to resume these early morning walks within a fortnight or so, when the weather became less cold.

J.J. CUMMINGS was born in Marshall county, Va., March 6th, 1828. His father dying when he was but a year old, he went at the age of seven to live with an uncle in Ohio. In Ohio in 1846 he enlisted in the Twelfth regiment of the United States army and served through the Mexican war until its close in 1848, participating in the march upon Mexico City and all other engagements
in which his regiment took part.

In 1850 Mr. CUMMINGS returned to Ohio, but very soon entered Alleghany College, where he spent three years. He taught school and studied law until 1856, when he was admitted to the bar. In September, of the same year, he came to Iowa settling in Appanoose county. The following year he formed a law partnership there with the late Judge TENNEHILL. In 1858 he was elected
Superintendent of schools for Appanoose county.

In 1862 Mr. CUMMINGS removed to Fairfield where he opened a law office but spent the years of 1864 and '65 in the far West. He returned to Fairfield in 1867 and resumed his law practice which he continued for many years. Of late years he has been associated with his son in the Frank S. CUMMINGS Insurance Co.

Mr. CUMMINGS was exceedingly popular with the citizens of Fairfield. In 1879 he was first elected Mayor of the city and was re-elected to that position for six consecutive terms. He was married to Miss Kate STEEL, May 15th, 1860, and to them were born two children, Anna M. and Frank S.

Mr. CUMMINGS arose early this morning, as usual going to his office where he opened the drafts on the fire. He then went for breakfast being stricken about seven o'clock, passing away in a few minutes.

The funeral service in charge of Dr. A.J. Mosser, will be held at two o'clock Monday afternoon from the Presbyterian church, of which Mr. CUMMINGS had long been a member. The members of Clinton Lodge No. 15, A.F. & A.M.,
will attend in a body, having charge at the grave.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Old Fairfield City Cemetery, Lot 182 W½.

~~~~

"Jefferson County Republican", Mar. 15, 1917, Pg. 1, Col. 6

John J. CUMMINGS drops dead in Court Hotel.... He was the last survivor of the Mexican War living in this county....

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.