Kibble Carr Cummings

CUMMINGS, K.C. - Mr. Kible Carr Cummings passed peacefully away at the home of his son on Park Heights, Friday afternoon, August 29th, 1913 about 3:30 o’clock after years of suffering which he bore with patience and fortitude seldom ever witnessed. The deceased was born near Shelbyville, Bedford County, Tennessee March 10th, 1843. He came with his parents to Madison County, Arkansas in the year 1852, he being just seven years of age. He lived near Prairie grove with an aunt, the late Mrs. Rollans, a short time when a young man of seventeen, and while here enlisted as a soldier in the State service, under captain Neal. On account of sickness he left this company, returning to his home in Madison County, when in November 1861, at Wesley, he enlisted in the Confederate army under Captain Boon, Co. I, , Regt. 16, commanded by Col. Hill. He contracted measles and was too sick to take part in the battle of Elk Horn or Pea Ridge, Feb. 6th, 7th and 8th, 1862. His company then crossed the Mississippi River before he was able to join them. So he enlisted in Company K, commanded by Capt. C.R. Pettigrew, under Col. Brooks 34th Regiment Arkansas Infantry, Fagan’s Brigade, Churchill’s Division. His first battle was the one at Prairie Grove, December 7, 1862. He also participated in the battle of Helena, July 4, 1863. He lost his left arm at the battle of Jenkin’s Ferry, April 30th, 1864. His company disbanded June 1st, 1865. Such is the war record of this grand old soldier. We see him at the age of seventeen enlisting in the State service, an outcome of the condition of affairs at Washington and we see him as he stays with his State and country till the end, giving the best of his young manhood for the cause he knew was right. He never flinched when duty called him, but in all his dealings for his country and for his fellow man he proved himself a man, a true soldier and a staunch friend. On December 28th, 1874, Mr. Cummings was united in marriage to Miss Emma Jane Vail. To this union two sons were born, Hugh Douglas Cummings, with whom he spent his declining years and Earnest Hayden Cummings, who died March 10, 1900. He had buried his wife, she having died August 1st, 1883, leaving him the care of their two little boys. On April 4th, 1890, he married Miss Hattie Tilley, whose death occurred March 11, 1909. (Two unreadable sentences) In August 1901, Mr. Cummings was stricken with rheumatism and was able to walk only a few months from that time, being confined to his bed the last eight and a half years of his life. Here we see him as a man of affliction, but in this he bore it with patience and fortitude. He was a man of clear mind, retaining it to the last. He was remarkable for his sound judgment, unflinching integrity and for his Christian cheerfulness. No one ever saw him downcast or heard him complain. He took a keen interest in everything about him and was ever ready to exchange a pleasant remark with those who came to his bedside. He never failed to show his gratitude to his son and to his wife for their untiring care and ministrations of love toward him during his affliction --unreadable for several sentences--- He joined the Presbyterian Church in 1907 and was deeply interested in its welfare and progress. “For him to live was Christ, to die was gain.” Besides his son, he is survived by two brothers, James H. Cummings of Madison County and C.L. Cummings of Prairie Grove, and one sister, Mrs. John T. Hight, of Fayetteville. The Funeral took place from the Presbyterian Church Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, his former pastor Rev. F.M. Freyschlag conducting the service and he was laid to rest in the family lot in the Prairie grove cemetery, the Camp of Confederate Veterans having charge of burial. The floral tributes were elaborate and beautiful. [Prairie Grove Herald 9/4/1913]

In Memory of K.C. Cummings, of Prairie Grove Camp No. 384, U.C.V., who was born in Bedford County, Tennessee, March 10th, 1843 and died at his home in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, August 29th, 1913. Comrade Cummings moved to Washington County with his parents in 1852 and enlisted in the 16th Regiment of the Confederate army in 1861. At the battle of Elkhorn he was not able for service, because of a violent attack of measles. He then joined Company K, 34th Arkansas Infantry, and was in the battle of Prairie Grove December 7, 1862 and also in the battle of Helena on July 4, 1863, and at the battle of Jenkin’s Ferry on April 30th, where he was wounded by the loss of an arm, and was not able for any more service during the war. He was a gallant and brave soldier. Comrade Cummings was a good citizen, honest and upright with his neighbors. He was a good husband and father. He was a true and faithful Christian. He bore his last sickness with the greatest endurance, and died without a struggle, and was buried by the Confederate camp in Prairie Grove cemetery. - W.N. Scott. H.P. Greene, J.C. Cunningham - Committee [Prairie Grove Herald 11/20/1913]

Mr. K.C. Cummings, who has been severely afflicted with rheumatism for more than a year, was able to be on the reunion grounds last Thursday. His many friends were glad to see that he was able to be out again. [Prairie Grove Herald 9/6/1906]

CUMMINGS, Kibble Carr - Mr. K.C. Cummings and son of Prairie Grove were in the city yesterday and spent some time with the management of the Fayetteville Electric Light and Power Company, with the view of installing a light plant in that town. This little town is always wide awake to lay hold upon every progressive movement that may be in reach and the citizens there are always watching for some chances to better the condition of their town. Mr. Cummings has already ordered the fixtures of his plant from the Ft. Wayne Elecric Company, Ft. Wayne, Indiana It is probable that the plant will be equipped with aparatus sufficiently large in capacity to supply a larger town than Prairie Grove is at present, and a just allowance for a liberal growth will be made. [Fayetteville Daily 7/1/1905]

Mr. K.C. Cummings who went to Hot Springs some weeks ago for the benefit of his health, was in the city this morning on his return to his home in Prairie Grove. We regret that he is not improved. It was necessary to carry him on a stretcher. [Fayetteville Daily 7/26/1905]