Henry H. Cumings

Henry Harrison Cumings
Born	Template:Birth date Monmouth, Illinois, U.S.
Died	May 14, 1913(1913-05-14) (aged 72) Tidioute, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Businessman, politician
Years active	1862–1913
Known for	Pennsylvania State Senator (1899–1906), president of Missouri Lumber and Mining Company, president of Tidioute Savings Bank

Henry Harrison Cumings (December 1, 1840 – May 14, 1913) was a prominent businessman and political figure from Pennsylvania. He represented the state in the Pennsylvania Senate between 1899 and 1906.

Early life

Cumings was born in Monmouth, Illinois and completed his studies with distinction at Oberlin College in 1862, graduating in absentia.

Career

In 1862, Cumings joined the 105th Ohio Infantry Regiment, advancing to the rank of captain. He took part in key Civil War engagements such as Perryville, Hoover's Gap, and Sherman's March to the Sea. Following his discharge in 1865, he moved to Pennsylvania where he became involved in the oil extraction and refining sectors through Day & Company and later Hunter & Cumings. Additionally, he managed extensive wheat farming operations in North Dakota.

Cumings held executive positions including president of Tidioute Savings Bank, director at Warren Trust Company, and led the Missouri Lumber and Mining Company as president for more than three decades. In 1895, he co-established the Union Razor Company located in Tidioute alongside New York-based associates.

His political involvement included service on the borough council and tenure as burgess. He also presided over the Tidioute School Board for 34 years. As a delegate to the 1888 Republican National Convention, Cumings was instrumental in founding and became the inaugural commander of the Colonel George A. Cobham Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, later serving as its Pennsylvania department commander.

During his term as a Republican state senator representing Pennsylvania's 48th district, he chaired the game and fisheries committee and participated actively on committees covering agriculture, appropriations, corporations, education, finance, forestry, public health, infrastructure, and railroads.

Personal life

In 1867, Cumings wed Charlotte Jane Sink, daughter of Andrew J. Sink from Rome, New York. The couple had six children: Harriet Emily, Charles Andrew, Henry Harrison Jr., Sarah Charlotte, Ralph Hunter, and Laura Frances. Their family home was situated in Tidioute. After the passing of Andrew J. Sink, Cumings acquired the Sink Opera House block on East Dominick Street in Rome, which housed Seegar's Dancing Academy and Stanwix Hall.

Cumings passed away at his residence in Tidioute on May 14, 1913, and was laid to rest at Tidioute Cemetery.