Alexander Cummings

CUMMINGS, CORWIN, SIMMONS

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/1/2001 at 09:37:25

(The following biographical sketch was prepared for publication in this paper by the Bonaparte Centennial Committee.)

Alexander Cummings and wife; Harriett Corwin Cummings, represent an early pioneer family of Bonaparte township. Their large farm lay one mile south of Bonaparte on wooded and fertile hills.

His activities as a farm producer began before there was a market for it in Iowa. Hence he was compelled to drive stock and haul wagon loads of food, and feeds to the popular shipping point of Alexandria, Mo., on the Mississippi river in Clark county. On the return journey his wagon train was loaded with commodities purchased for farm and home use, and for the accommodations of his neighbors.

Alexander Cummings was born in Ireland on May 23, 1823. He died at the age of 78 in Bonaparte. He came to America when a small boy and lived in Philadelphia until the year 1851, when he came to Iowa. He stayed for two years and went to California, but returned soon, and in 1854 married. He then bought his farm and began farming industries. Their children were William, Robert, Thomas James and Alexander, Jr., Eliza Simmons and Mary Simmons.

In 1875 they built the large brick house and the following year they journeyed to Philadelphia to attend the Centennial Exhibition and visit old friends. Their descendents number many of Bonaparte township's good and thrifty citizenry.

-- Written by Nora Burrier
Source: Van Buren Record, June 24, 1937

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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.

Remark from Larry Moline Ldmoline@aol.com

The children of Alexander and Harriet Corwin Cummings as shown above includes an Eliza Simmons. This name is incorrect. Eliza Cummings married a John B. Willits and the name should read Eliza Willits. According to Eliza's obituary, Mary Cummings was married to a Ray Simmons. Thus, Mary Simmons is correct.