Thomas B. Cuming
| Thomas Barney Cuming | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Acting Governor of Nebraska Territory | |
|
In office October 18, 1854 – February 23, 1855 |
|
| Appointed by | Franklin Pierce |
| Preceded by |
Francis Burt as Territorial Governor |
| Succeeded by |
Mark W. Izard as Territorial Governor |
| Acting Governor of Nebraska Territory | |
|
In office October 25, 1857 – January 12, 1858 |
|
| Appointed by | James Buchanan |
| Preceded by |
Mark W. Izard as Territorial Governor |
| Succeeded by |
William Alexander Richardson as Territorial Governor |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
December 25, 1827 Genesee County, New York |
| Died | March 12, 1858 (aged 30) Omaha, Nebraska |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret C. Murphy |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
Thomas B. Cuming (December 25, 1827 – March 12, 1858) was an American military officer and politician. He served as the first Secretary of Nebraska Territory and served twice as the territory's Acting Governor, the first time following the death of Francis Burt and the second following the resignation of Mark W. Izard.
Cuming was born in Genesee County, New York on December 25, 1827. The son of an Episcopal minister, his mother died when he was a young child. Following his mother's death he was raise by his uncle, a Prebysterian residing in Rochester, New York. Cuming was admitted to The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor at an early age and graduated at the age of sixteen. Following his graduation he worked as a geologist in a scientific expedition exploring the Lake Superior region for minerals.
In November 1847, during the Mexican–American War, Cuming enlisted as a sergeant with the 1st Michigan Infantry Regiment. His assigned duties kept him away from battle for the course of the hostilities. Following the war he became a telegraph operator in Keokuk, Iowa. Looking to advance himself, he began writing articles for the Keokuk Dispatch. Reaction to these articles was extremely favorable and Cuming was made editor of the newspaper. During his time in Keokuk, he also married Margaret C. Murphy.
Cuming was appointed Secretary of the newly formed Nebraska Territory at the age of 25 and arrived to assume his duties on October 8, 1854. Ten days later, with the death of Governor Francis Burt, Cuming became Acting Governor.
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