Rev. Job Cushman

CUSHMAN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 5/3/2016 at 13:38:06

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
June 25, 1878

--We have before mentioned the arrival of Rev. Job Cushman, of Kingston, Mass. Mr. Cushman is now 84, and his services here demand a more extended notice. He first came here in the early settlement of the town, and, was a wise man, he foresaw the future prosperity of the country. Having some means he made judicious investments of it in choice lands, in Chester township, mostly. He afterwards sold to Wm. Sherman, Stillman, Stockwell, and others, at a fair profit, and it is now some of the best farms in Chester. His means were always sought and used for generous purposes. He has secured the building of a number of churches, by first coming forward with a liberal offer on his part, if the people had a mind to build. He has made many liberal donations to benevolent objects, among which is Iowa College, which he saw at its very beginning in Grinnell, and has watched over it with a fatherly care and literally to this day. Considering the time at which he gave, his donations have been among the most liberal and helpful which it has ever received. The front of the College campus is named Cushman Park to his honor. He has also provided a fund for the aid of disabled Congregational minisers in Iowa, which will be available a few years hence. He has done liberally by his relatives, only retaining the interest of a part of his gifts, while he lives, that he may provide thereby for his own support. He has given much to feeble churches by gratuitous preaching and pastoral work. And now, in his old age he is cheerful and happy, as befits the old age of such a man, and has a warm friendly greeting for every one. Welcome to Grinnell.