CUMMINGS, Joseph, educator, born in Falmouth County, Maine, 3 March 1817. He was graduated at Wesleyan University in 1840, and then taught at Amenia, New York, seminary, becoming its principal in 1843. In 1846 he joined the New England conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was stationed successively at Malden, Chelsea, Hanover Street, and Bromfield Street (Boston) chm'ches. He then became professor of theology in the Methodist general biblical institute in Concord, New Hampshire, remaining there for the year 1853-'4, after which, until 1857, he was president of Genesee College at Lima, N. Y. From 1857 till 1875 he was president of Wesleyan University, and from 1875 till 1877 professor of mental philosophy and political economy in that institution. He preached at Malden during 1877-'9, and at Harvard Street Church, Cambridge, during 1880-'1. In 1881 he became president of Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill. He was a delegate to the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1864, 1876, 1880, and 1884. He has received the degrees of D. D. from Wesleyan and from Harvard, and of LL. D. from the Northwestern University. Dr. Cummings's literary work includes the editing of Butler's "Analogy of Religion" (New York, 1875) and numerous sermons and addresses, a list of which is given in the "Alumni Record of Wesleyan University."