Robert and Sarah (While) Cummings
Page by Bob Leathers
Life Story
1895 June 7: Sarah While was born in Hanna, Wyoming to John and Lousia (Roberts) While.
The town of Hanna was founded in 1889. Sarah was born about 6 years after the founding of the town. She was one of the first babies born in the coal camp of Hanna. Her parents immigrated from England to Carbon in 1885 an area known today as the Black Country.
The town of Hanna was founded in 1889. Sarah was born about 6 years after the founding of the town. She was one of the first babies born in the coal camp of Hanna. Her parents immigrated from England to Carbon in 1885 an area known today as the Black Country.
1916 October 26: Sarah While and Michael Robert Cummings were married in Hanna, Wyoming.
Michael R. Cummings and Sarah While were married at the home of the bride's mother on Thursday. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Thomas, and the couple were attended by Miss Irene Dickinson as bridesmaid and Roy Cummings, brother of the groom, as best man. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cummings are very popular here and have many friends who will extend them congratulations. The newlyweds will make their home in No. 2 camp. (The Rawlins Republican, Nov. 1916)
ROBERT AND SARAH (WHILE) CUMMINGS (While Family Collection from Bob leathers)
Cummings Family Boys: Roy, Robert and Dennis (UPCCEM, Jan. 1932)
Cummings - A Family of Old Timers
The three Cummings brothers, Dennis, Roy and Robert have a total service record of eighty-seven years with The Union Pacific Coal Company, a record of which they as well as the Company may well be proud. In fact, their entire lives have been spent in the service of the Coal Company. Their father was an employee of the Company in old Carbon coming to Hanna when the first mine was opened there in 1889. Robert was the first child born in Hanna. The father and another brother lost their lives in the No. 1 Mine explosion. Mrs. Cummings still lives in Hanna.
Dennis, who has a record of thirty-six years of service, began work in 1894 and is now hoist engineer in No. 4 Mine.
Robert has served the Company twenty-six continuous years, except for the time he spent in the Army during the war. His three children are all in school in Hanna. He is an active member of The American Legion.
Roy is now assistant foreman in No. 4 Mine and has been with the company twenty-five years. He is married and has a son and daughter.
The picture of these three “Old Timers” was slipped from an album in Hanna. It, too, dates back a few years. (UPCCEM January 1931)
Cummings Brothers. Dennis, Robert and Larry. (Gert Milliken from Gary Milliken)
1933: Robert Cummings - Driller, Hanna No. 4 Mine. Sprained right ankle. Period of disability, 14 days. Robert claims that while he was walking down a manway, he stepped on a piece of coal and sprained his ankle. The only comment that can be made on this accident is to ask Robert to “Watch his step.” (UPCCEM, September 1933)
1937: Robert Cummings - American, age 48, driller, Hanna No. 4 Mine, Section No. 9. Fracture of right arm at elbow. Period of disability undetermined. Robert was drilling a short hole to set a grip or jack for the thread bar when the drill struck a crevice, jerking the drilling machine out of his hands and entangling his arm in the drilling machine cable. This accident was avoidable. Drillers should place cable so that they would not become entangled in it whenever the machine is jerked out of their hands. (UPCCEM, May 1937)
1940.: Sarah and Robert's daughter Mary Elizabeth married Lawrence Cheesbrough.
Miss Mary Elizabeth Cummings
Daughter of Robert and Sarah (While) Cummings
The wedding of Miss Mary Elizabeth Cummings and Lawrence Cheesbrough was solemnized at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on Wednesday evening, June 12th, at 7 o’clock. The bride wore multi-colored chiffon and white accessories, and the bridesmaid, Ellen Cummings, her sister, wore a navy-blue suit and white accessories, both carrying red roses. The groom’s best man was his brother, Allan Cheesbrough. The service was read by Father Harry Kellam. A reception for relatives was held at the bride’s home following, and Nuptial Mass was celebrated at the church on Thursday morning. The bride is the eldest daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Robert Cummings, of Hanna. The groom is the son of Mr. And Mrs. Joe Cheesbrough, of Medicine Bow. They will live in Hanna, where the groom is employed. (UPCCEM, July 1940)
1956: Sarah and Robert were living in Hanna, Wyoming.
Hanna. 1956. Sarah (While) Cummings cooking traditional Christmas breakfast of eggs, sausage, fried oysters and hot homemade rolls with coffee. (Cummings Collection)
Hanna. 1956. Sarah (While) Cummings seving breakfast. (Cummings Collection)
Hanna. 1948. Sarah (While) Cummings (Cummings Collection)
1980 February 27: Sarah (While) Cummings died in Laramie, Wyoming at the age of 84 and was buried there.
Robert and Sarah (While) Cummings had seven children in 16 years.
2018: The Cummings Cottage was moved to the Hanna Basin Museum
Hanna. Cummings Cottage at the Hanna Basin Museum (Image from Bob Leathers)