James Benjamin Cummings Jr.

  General Notes:

J.B. CUMMINGS One of the best known men in Kinston is J.B. CUMMINGS, self-made man, merchant, and real estate owner. He was born in Kinston on December 11, 1861. His parents were of Scotch- Irish extraction and that accounts for perseverance and determination of the subject of this sketch. His father was JAMES B. and his mother MATILDA CUMMINGS. Young CUMMINGS went to private schools in Kinston until he was 14 years of age at which time he found it necessary to stop and go to work. Out of his own earnings he paid his tuition the last session he was in school. After this he farmed for two years doing any and all work that came to hand. He was then employed for a few months in the mercantile business by CORNELIUS HARPER. HARPER sold out to CHAUNCEY GRAY, and Mr. CUMMINGS continued with the business, commencing with his new employer for $5.00 a month and board. Here he was employed for 9 ½ years, when he was made a partner. The business was conducted as a partnership for four years, when a dissolution took place by mutual consent. The business was then conducted on the old Peebles corner, now the site of the Neuse Hotel, which is owned by Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. CUMMINGS now conducts a fine mercantile business at his store on Queen Street, where he has been for 21 years. During this whole time he has only employed three clerks, of whom J.W. RUSS is now with him. Mr. CUMMINGS is one of the best known merchants in Kinston and does as large a business as any. On January 14, 1885, Mr. CUMMINGS married Miss FLETA COX, daughter of Mr. J.G. COX of Kinston. She died in May 1896, leaving five children as follows: HERBERT W., Mrs. ERMA V. TUNSTALL, CHAS. GEHRMAN, ESSIE B. AND OLIVE BRANCH. After his first wife's death, he married Miss MARY J. BRYAN, daughter of Mr. J.J. BRYAN, of Institute. Their children are J.B. and HENRY BRYAN CUMMINGS. Mr. CUMMINGS has been Alderman two times; was elected magistrate; is a member of the Methodist Church, St. Johns A.F. and A.M. and Caswell Chapter, R.A.M., the Royal Arcanum, Woodmen of the World, the Mystic Circle, and the Knights of Harmony.