ANOTHER PIONEER PASSES

"Babe" Cummings Goes to His Reward. - Was One of the First Settlers of this Valley. Took an Active Part in the Early Settlement of Utah.

Isaac (familiarly known as "Babe") Cummings died last Saturday afternoon of heart trouble of which he has been a sufferer for several months past, although he has not been confined to his bed but five weeks.

He was one of the oldest settlers of this valley and one of its most highly respected citizens. Few who know him but had a good word to say for "Babe." He was a kind and generous nature, and even under the most trying circumstances, was always jovial and good natured, always willing to do his part in any matter pertaining to the welfare of his neighbor or the community in which believed.

BIOGRAPHICAL

He was born in Gibson County, Tenn., May 31, 1837. When the saints were driven from Nauvoo, he came West with his parents, and in 1852 drove an ox-train across the plains and also assisted his parents in driving a small band of sheep, perhaps the first, or nearly the first sheep brought to Utah.

He helped to haul the corner stone for the first permanent meeting house in Provo, the one that now stands on the northeast lot of the block west of the court house.

In 1857 when Johnson's army was coming to Utah, "Babe" was one of the forty who, under the leadership of Lot Smith, were sent to intercept and either turn back or destroy the supply trains of the army. They came upon the supply trains encamped at Simpson's Hollow on the Green River near midnight on the night of Oct. 3, and with lighted torches set fire to the covers of the wagons which caught rapidly. When all the wagons were fairly in a blaze they rode away threatening to instantly shoot anyone who should attempt to extinguish the flames.

He passed through the Walker and Blackhawk Indian wars doing service for his country as best he could, which was no small item, as many who are now living in this valley can testify. Being of a modest and retiring nature he made no great pretensions to greatness but his services were recognized by his companions throughout that period of fear and anxiety, just the same.

In 1859, he came to this valley and he and "Bob" Parker plowed the first furrow ever turned by a white man in Wasatch County. Others claim this distinction, but we have the assurance of not only "Babe" himself, but of others that he and Bob were the first to stick a plow in the alluvial soil of Provo valley.

In April 1860, he married Sarah Jones at Provo, and immediately after he and his fair young bride made the trip through Provo canyon in a blinding snow storm, to this valley where they have since made their home. Their union was blessed with twelve children, eight of whom are still living. He also leaves thirty-six grand children and two great grandchildren.

Eight years ago his wife died and "Babe" has never been the same man since that he was before, although kind, generous and good natured (he could not be otherwise) there was a tinge of sadness about him after her death, that was never entirely effaced.

Funeral services were held in the Stake house Monday afternoon. Impressive speeches were made by Patriarchs Thomas Hicken, John Duke and Robert S. Duke. A long line of vehicles followed the remains to the Heber City Cemetery where the interment took place.

His children and grandchildren, most of whom were at his bedside during his last illness, wish to express their thanks to the many kind friends who did all that could be done by assistance and sympathy during the illness, death, and burial of their beloved parent.

The Wasatch Wave, April 13, 1906, Page 1