Cummings, Alex 1825-1896

CUMMINGS, DUFFUS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/18/2011 at 06:59:15

MR. ALEX CUMMINGS

Alex Cummings was born in Scotland, November 11, 1825, and died December 31, 1896, at the old Cummings home near Ewart. Mr. Cummings came to this country in 1850, and two years later at Ashland, Ohio, he was married to Miss Jane Duffus, who had been a near neighbor of his in Scotland, but whom, strangely enough he met for the first time in America. In 1854 they came to Iowa and made their home for two years in Cedar County, from which place they moved to Poweshiek County. Six children were born to them, four sons and two daughters, all of whom survive--with seventeen grandchildren and one great-grandchild. The first death in this family was that of Mrs. Cummings nearly five years ago. For forty years and more Mr. Cummings was identified with the interest of the community in which he lived. He came to this country poor, resolved to earn his own fortune, which he did. He was a stone mason. His work, like himself, was true--no better foundations or cellar walls were ever laid. He soon acquired a fine farm which he worked, though for years still following his trade. A prime characteristic of the man was industry coupled with a high sense of honor and integrity. He was also remarkably even-tempered--never seemed to rush his work or become excited, though often turning off an unusually large day's work. Losses and successes were met with like equanimity. Rev. John L. Gage, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at New Sharon and a former pastor at Malcom, conducted the funeral services, assisted by Rev. D. Stiles of the M.E. Church at Ewart. The singing was conducted by the Scotch friends. The pall bearers were the four sons, a son-in-law, and a grandson.