Edward Benjamin Cushing

Edward Benjamin Cushing (November 22, 1862 – February 17, 1924) was an engineer and academic administrator. He served as the chairman of the Board of Regents of Texas A&M University in 1912.

Edward Benjamin Cushing
BornNovember 22, 1862
Houston, Texas
DiedFebruary 17, 1924(1924-02-17) (aged 61)
Houston, Texas
EducationTexas A&M University
Occupation(s)Engineer, university administrator
EmployerTexas A&M University
SpouseFlorence Abbey Powars
Parent(s)E.H. Cushing
Matilda Cushing

Biography

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Early life

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Edward Benjamin Cushing was born in Houston, Texas to E.H. and Matilda Cushing. His father was an outspoken Southern Democrat and owner of The Telegraph, a Houston newspaper.[1] He graduated from the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas, now known as Texas A&M University, in 1880.

Career

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He worked as a civil engineer for Southern Pacific Railroad after graduation and served in the U.S. Army. He also served as chief secretary of the Association of Ex-Cadets.[2] He was appointed to the board of directors for the school in 1912, only a year before assuming its presidency.[3]

Later, he personally bankrolled the fledgling Texas A&M University while chairman of the Board of Regents in 1912.[4] His money and campaign prevented a Texas A&M consolidation with the University of Texas at Austin.

Personal life

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In 1888, he married Florence Abbey Powars.[3]

In March 1904, his brother was kidnapped for ransom in West Texas and taken across the border to Mexico.[5]

Death

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He died in Houston in 1924. At the time of his death, he was a bank receiver for First National Bank in Granger, Texas.[3]

Legacy

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In 1930, a library was built at Texas A&M University in memory of Cushing. This represented the first freestanding library on the Texas A&M campus. The Sterling C. Evans Library was constructed in 1968 and became the university's primary library, but the Cushing Library remained as a repository of important university archives.[4]

Honors and awards

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  • 2006: Distinguished Alumni Award, Texas A&M University[2]
  • World War I: Croix de Guerre, France[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Cushing, Edward Hopkins". The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Tribute Wall: Distinguished Alumni". The Association of Former Students. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  3. ^ a b c d "Cushing, Edward Benjamin". The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Cushing Memorial Library: Building History". Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved July 6, 2012.
  5. ^ "Mexican Brigands' Raid" (PDF). New York Times. March 3, 1904. Retrieved July 6, 2012.