Albert Baird Cummins (1850-1926) - Find a Grave Memorial

Iowa Governor, U.S. Senator. He graduated from Waynesburg College in 1869, became a tutor, taught at a country school, then moved briefly to Iowa and clerked in the office of the recorder of Clayton County. He then moved to Indiana, in 1871, became deputy Allen County surveyor and engaged in railroad building. Moving to Chicago, Illinois, he study law, was admitted to the bar and practiced law. He returned to Iowa, in 1878, practiced law and was a member of the Iowa State House of Representatives, (1888-90) and a member of the Republican National Committee, (1896-1900). In 1901, he was elected as a Republican the 18th Governor of Iowa, serving until he resigned in 1908. During his tenure, legislation was enacted that regulated railroads and insurance companies, prison measures were restructured and child labor laws were improved. Also the distribution of railroad passes was eliminated and the mandatory direct primary law was sanctioned. After leaving office, he was elected as a Republican to the U.S Senate and served until his death at age 76.

Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith