James Cummings (1774 - 1820)

Born 24 Jul 1774 in Tyrone, County Antrim, Ireland

Descendants

Died 22 Jan 1820 at age 45 in Williamsport, Lycoming, Pennsylvania, United States

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Biography

James was born in 1774. He passed away in 1820

^[1]JAMES CUMMINGS was born in Tyrone, County Antrim, Ireland, July 24, 1774, and emigrated to this country when quite a young man. He had several brothers, among who was John, who became the second sheriff of Lycoming county, and served in that office several terms.

James Cummings was twice married. His first wife was a native of Ireland. His second wife was Mary Culbertson, daughter of Andrew Culbertson, who settled quite early near the present site of the borough of DuBoistown, and was also one of the most enterprising men of that time.

Mr. Cummings, after his second marriage, lived a short time in Newberry. He subsequently opened a hotel in Williamsport, which stood on the present site of the First National Bank.

He established the first mail route in this section, and carried the mails in the first stage coaches leaving Williamsport and running up the river as far as Dunnsburg, and down as far as Sunbury.

He died, January 22, 1820, while on his way from Washington, where he had been to look after some of his mail contracts.

His wife survived him over twelve years, and died, August 18, 1832.

They left three sons and one daughter.

1) Thomas Cummings, the eldest, was born in Newberry, March 11, 1802, and died in Philadelphia, April 25, 1885. He married Lucy Ann Babb of Jersey Shore, and reared four children, one of whom, Lieut. Commander A. Boyd Cummings of the United States Navy, was killed at the battle of Port Hudson.

2) Alexander Cummings, son of James Cummings, was born in Williamsport, November 17, 1810, and attained high distinction as a journalist, politician, and legislator. He was a man of marked character, and enjoyed a wide reputation in newspaper and political circles. He served as Governor of the Territory of Colorado, and died, July 16, 1879, while United States consul at Ottawa, Canada.

3) Andrew Boyd Cummings, the last surviving son of James Cummings, was born in Williamsport, but resided in Philadelphia for many years preceding his death. To him the city of Williamsport is indebted for the magnificent gift of Brandon park, named in memory of his only sister, Jane C., who married John Brandon, and died at Brownsville, New York, September 13, 1840. This park will forever remain as a memorial of its generous donor, who cherished such an affectionate regard for his sister’s memory and the place of his birth."

4) Jane C Cummings Brandon,1804–1840 (From Find-A-Grave)'

Death

Burial: Williamsport Cemetery, Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, :^[2]

Sources

1. ↑ History of Lycoming County Pennsylvania; edited by John F. Meginness; ©1892 http://www.usgennet.org/usa/pa/county/lycoming/history/Chapter-48.html
2. ↑ FindAGrave