Cumberland - Jesse - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Jesse W. CUMBERLAND, justice of the peace, Crawfordsville, is a son of Martin and Ann (FRENCH) Cumberland and was born Aug 9, 1825 in Hamilton Co, Ohio. His father was a native of Baltimore, MD and in the fall of 1825 he made a trip W. for the purpose of buying land. He entered 160 acres, and being in need of meat for his journey home, started in search of deer. He succeeded in shooting a deer, but where he could find shelter from the bitter cold was frozen to death. He left a wife and four children. In 1828 Mrs. Cumberland moved to Crawfordsville, bringing 3 children, among whom was Jesse, and leaving one child in the East. Here she took in washing and supported her family as best she could until they were able to care for themselves. She died in 1860, at the age of 65 years. Under these trying circumstances, and the meager advantages of these days, Jesse received but little education. When 7 he went to live with Hamilton BARNES of Lockport, Indiana, with whom he stayed two years. He was then adopted by Dr. GRIMES with whom he lived until 14 years of age, at Delphi, when on account of very poor health he returned and lived with his mother, who in the meantime had marr. Samuel FISHER. He immediately began improving and became quite stout and well. When 21 he began manufacturing wagons, which he followed for 4 or 5 years in Crawfordsville, then opened the first hardware and agricultural implement store in the city, which he kept for 20 years. Quitting this he engaged in the pork business, with John W. BLAIR 3 years and during the war he speculated and lost all. Since the war he has spent some time in the hotel business and has also manufactured tile for several years. In 1878 Mr. C. was elected justice of the peace. He is a very strong republican and temperance man. He votes for no man that drinks liquor or believes in state rights. he is a good citizen and well known throughout the County as a man of good judgment and fair decisions. he was marr. Jan 31, 1849 to Margaret A. SPEED of Crawfordsville. She was b. in Edinburgh, Scotland and her parents came to America when she was 3 years old. Mr. & Mrs. C. have a pleasant family of four children: Mary E, a grad. of the Crawfordsville Seminary, has taught 6 years in the city schools of La Fayette; and in 1880 went to Mass. where she studied French, receiving a diploma attesting her proficiency in that language and entered an eastern college to complete her education; Frank S, a carriage trimmer and master mechanic; Eva, a grad. of the Crawfordsville HS and quite noted for her musical talent, both vocal and instrumental; and Lew, a student at Wabash College, and a workman in the coffin factory during vacations. They are a happy family. - typed by kbz