Orange

CUSHING, Haynes Porter

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 88-89 
(portrait p 88)

Haynes Porter CUSHING was born 10 June 1816 in Burke [probably Burke in 
Caledonia County, Vermont, although there was also a Burke in Lamoille 
County, Vermont], son of Matthew and Resia (WOODRUFF) CUSHING. He received 
his education in the district schools of Burke, at Lyndon Academy [Caledonia 
County] and Newbury Seminary [Orange County]. Emphatically a self-made man, 
he often related with pride the fact that when he started for the last named 
institution he left home with his parents' blessing and fifty cents. 
Commencing his life's career as an educator, he was successful in his 
vocation in many towns in New Hampshire and Vermont, and especially so at 
Newbury Seminary.

In 1844 he joined the Vermont Methodist conference in full connection, and 
filled some of the most important appointments in the gift of that body. 
When he had been preaching only nine years, six of the best parishes in 
Vermont sought his ministration, for he had always proved a most successful 
pastor, alike popular with old and young. Faithful, devoted, earnest, 
fearless in espousing his convictions, gifted with great persuasive power and 
deep piety, it is not to be wondered at that his death, 21 October 1890, an 
utterly irreligious man should pay this tribute to his memory: "He was a 
true minister and was a friend to sinners."

Mr. CUSHING was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Maria, daughter of Alanson 
S. and Gratia (FLETCHER) SHAW, who died 31 December 1877. To them were born 
three children: Ella C., Mrs. A. L. FINNEY of Lyndonville [Caledonia County, 
Vermont]; Charles E.; and another who died in infancy. On 26 February 1879 
he contracted a second alliance with Miss Delia Grace, daughter of William 
and Nancy (CALEF) HUNTINGTON, of Washington [Orange County], Vermont. Mr. 
CUSHING held the office of superintendent of schools for many years in the 
different scenes of his professional labors. A strong Republican, he 
represented Barton [Orleans County] in the Vermont Legislature during the 
war, and upon him devolved the duties of chaplain of the House in 1857 and 
1878. During the Civil War he was twice offered the post of military 
chaplain, but was obliged to decline on account of feeble health.

Ever active in the cause of temperance, he joined the society of Good 
Templars in 1865, holding many of the highest offices and being their 
delegate to the R. W. G. L. [Right Worshipful Grand Lodge] when the latter 
held their sessions in Boston, Detroit, Richmond and Bloomington, Illinois. 
He served as Grand Lecturer, and in this post worked most zealously and 
effectively to promote the interests of the order. His life in general was 
consecrated to good works, and he was a good and faithful servant in the 
discharge of every duty and responsibility.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly