CUMING COUNTY was
named for Thomas B. Cuming, who twice served as acting governor of Nebraska
Territory. Cuming was born on December 25, 1828, in Genesee
County, New York. He was raised and educated in Michigan. Following service in the army during the Mexican
War, Cuming went to Iowa, where
he worked in the newspaper business.
Through the political influence of Lewis Cass of Michigan
and fellow Democrats, Cuming was appointed secretary of Nebraska
Territory in 1854. Upon the death of Governor Francis Burt (who
dies only two days after assuming office), Cuming became acting governor at age
twenty-six. He served until 1855. Cuming made several important decisions
including organizing the first territorial census and locating the capital at Omaha. This latter decision was particularly opposed
by Bellevue residents, who had
hoped the capital would be located there.
Battle over the capital and
other political matters would continue until long after Cuming’s
death. Cuming again became acting
governor for one year (1857-1858) following the resignation of Governor Mark W.
Izard. Cuming died on March 23, 1858 at age twenty-nine.
Cuming
County was one of
the earliest counties organized in Nebraska
Territory. Its boundaries were defined by a territorial
legislative act on March 16, 1855.
