Cummings, James
Birth
James Cummings was born in Berne on June 25, 1857, the son of John Cummings and Ellen Shea. [1]. His siblings were:
- John Cummings Jr. (May 20, 1859[1], D. after March 31, 1905)[2][3]
- George Cummings (born June 1, 1861[1], D. May 11, 1880)[2][4]
- Ellen Cummings Van Schaack ((b. December, 1866[1], D. after March 31, 1905)[2][3]
- Thomas Cummings (B. Dec 11, 1866, D. Dec 29, 1882)[2][4]
Education
James was educated in the common school.[1]
Occupation
He was reared on the farm and remained at home until he was about 24 years old. With his brother, John, they then embarked in business for themselves, their first enterprise being farming and quarrying, which they followed for seven years. They dissolved partnership, James remaining at the quarry and John repaired to Albany and engaged in the stone business from 1891 to 1895. They then moved to Voorheesville and established themselves in the feed, grain and produce business, and in connection with this they carried on an extensive stone business. [1]
Marriage and Children
James married Ella Van Deusen of Berne, and daughter of Robert A. Van Deusen[1]and Sarah Parkhurst[5] Their children:
- Carrie Cummings[1]
- George Cummings[1]
- Howard Cummings, born in 1909 and died February 10, 1910 at Voorheesville.
James married secondly, Florence Hynds and had a child:
- Jane Cummings
Death
(Florence)Ella Van Deusen, his wife died September 3, 1916 and is buried at the Mont Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem, Albany Co., NY. James died on April 8, 1933 at Voorheesville, Albany Co., NY and is also buried in the Mont Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem, Albany Co., NY
Obituary
Altamont Enterprise April 14, 1933 DEATH OF JAMES CUMMINGS The death of James Cummings, long identified and well known former business man of Voorheesville, occurred at his late home in this village early Monday morning, following a long illness.
Born in Berne 75 years ago, he came to this village some 30 odd years ago and operated a flour and feed store, and was also in the flagstone and quarry business. He retired from active life over 20 years ago.
Funeral services were conducted from his home Wednesday at 2:30 pm. Rev. Alfred Patton of Castleton, former pastor of the M. E. church of Voorheesville officiated, assisted by the present pastor of the church, Rev. James E. Bayley.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Florence Hynds Cummings, a son and a daughter by a former wife, who died—George Cummings and Mrs. Abram Relyea—and a daughter, Jane Cummings, by his last marriage; also one sister and a brother, Mrs. C.S. Woodworth of this village and John Cummings of Altamont; and a grandson, James Relyea of Voorheesville. Burial was in Mont Pleasant Cemetery, New Salem. Funeral director, F.T. Brunk, was in charge.
Additional Media
Cummings Brothers. — James and John Cummings were born in the town of Berne, June 25, 1857, and May 20, 1859, respectively.
They are sons of John Cummings, who was born in the city of Clonmell, Ireland, in 1829. He was one of four children of Patrick Cummings. John, the father, was a miller m his native place. He came to America and direct to the town of Berne, where he engaged in farming which he continued until recent years, when he retired to the village of Reidsville and leased his farm. In 1864 he enlisted in Co. B, 81st Regiment N. V. Vols., and served until the close of the war, participating in the battle of the Wilderness, where he received a wound and lost part of his hand. He was under General Butler in five active en- gagements. His wife was Ellen Shea, a native of the city of Clonmell, Ireland, and daughter of Thomas Shea; to them were born five children: James, born June 25, 1857; John, born May 30, 1859; George, born June 1, 1861, and died at the age of nineteen; Ellen, born in October, 1862; and Thomas, born in December, 1866, and died at the age of sixteen.
James and John were reared to farm life and attended the common schools and remained at home until they were twenty-four years of age, when they embarked in business for themselves, their first enterprise being farming and quarrying, which they followed for seven years. They dissolved partnership, James remaining at the quarry and John repaired to Albany and engaged in the stone business from 1891 to 1895. They then moved to Voorheesville and established themselves in the feed, grain and produce business, and in connection with this they carried on an extensive stone business. James married Ella Van Deusen of Berne, and daughter of Robert A. Van Deusen. Their children are Carrie and George. John married Mary C. Ecker of the town of Knox, and daughter of Allen Ecker, by whom three children were born: Thomas, who died when ten years of age; Edward and Mary. John is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of Chancellors Lodge of Albany. The brothers are both stockholders in the Clarksville Telephone line. John is a stockholder in the Altamont Driving Park and Fair Association ; the brothers are also stockholders in the Voorheesville Canning and Preserving Co.
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