Cuming Timeline
Foreword
It has long been said in the clan that the Clan Comyn (or Cumyne in Latin) descend from Charlemagne as one of the earliest progenitors. While it may not be possible to ascertain without significant genetic tracing (and/or tracking), if our earliest ancestor Robert de Comyn was married to a sister of William the Conqueror (bastard son of Robert I Duke of Normandy), that sister was patrilineal, and all who trace descent from John Comyn are descendent of the coupling of Robert de Comyn and [Daughter of Robert I Duke of Normandy] then by the House of Normandy, all Cumings can trace their lineage back to:
- Rollo (911-928), first ruler of Normandy, first of the House of Normandy, Viking.
- Charlemagne (748-814), King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, Emperor of the Carolingian Empire, ‘Pater Europae’.
- Charles Martel ‘Charles the Hammer’ (688-741), de facto ruler of the Frankish Kingdoms (dux et princeps).
- Pepin of Landen (580 - 640), Mayor of the Palace of Austrasia, First of the Pippinids, Lord of Brabant, Governor of Austrasia.
- French medieval mythology and legend, Francus (aka Francio), First of the Franks, aka Astyanax (son of Hector of Troy), grandson of King Priam of Troy, forefather of Charlemagne, King of Celtic Gaul.
There are many publicly available timelines covering the above mentioned. As this is the Comyn branch, this timeline will be focussing on the time from Robert de Comines through to the present day. Its main emphasis is on the time from James Cuming Sr.’s arrival in Australia in 1862 to present. Its secondary emphasis is on the time preceding arrival in Australia, to the Scottish wars of independence; the period from approximately 1400-1850. (Nb. Sep 2024 - This page is currently a work in progress and is yet to have 1400-1800 uploaded. It is available to view for the 500 years uploaded thus far.)
1030s
Birth of Robert de Comyn (aka Comines, Cumin, Cumyn), probably in the territoire of St Pol, then under Flemish overlordship.
There is a good chance that Robert belonged to the family we now call the House of Candavène, also known as the House of Saint-Pol, and as the Counts of Saint-Pol. (aka Campdavaine, Candens avena, Champ-d'Avène, and Campus avenae)
Due to changes in the way family names have evolved over the past thousand years, it is unlikely that the family referred to themselves as we refer to them now. Candavène is supposedly a nickname given to Hugues III de Saint-Pol, meaning 'oat fields' in old Picard (champes d'avoine). Hugues III was Count of Saint-Pol 100 years after Robert de Comyn, in the 1130s.
Medieval naming practices identified individuals by their titles, lands or by their father's name (patronymically). Fixed family surnames as we understand them today became more standardised in later centuries.
Many have hypothesised that the Comyn family originates from the town of Comines in North West France, and while that may be true, it may also slightly miss the mark. Comines is a short distance North West of Lille, about 25km, and in the department of Nord; Beauval is about 90km south west of Lille, and in the department of Somme. Where, the historical Counts of Saint-Pol hold the same coats of arms as Clan Cuming.
It is possible that this French House ruled over the lands of Comines and Beauval from their seat at Saint-Pol (now known as Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise; department of Pas-de-Calais), and that Robert de Comyn hailed from the cadet branch we currently call the House of Candavène-Beauval, Lords of Beauval. The house of Azure, three garbs Or, 2-1 (three gold wheat sheaves on a blue shield, 2 above and 1 below). The House of Candavène-Plessis, Lords of Plessis and Breuil, Castellans of Corbie are the house of Argent, a lion rampant Gules crowned Or, semé of ermine spots Sable (Silver or white, a rampant lion wearing a gold crown, surrounded by black ermine spots).
Comines is approximately three days ride north east of Saint-Pol-sur-Turnoise (90km), Beauval is approximately one day ride south of Saint-Pol-sur-Turnoise (30km). Cappelle-Fermont also bears our arms most of a days ride east of Saint-Pol (20km).
It is also possible that Comyn and Comines are coincidental and unrelated or a misnomer over time. There are certainly many of the surname Comyn in both the Nord region and the Somme region, and very few of the surname 'de Comines' or 'Comines' anywhere in France (or elsewhere). But it is worth noting that the town of Comines holds that their name comes from Celtic or Gaulish origins. Given the region, this would probably mean either the Morini people and/or the Menapi people.
In Dutch it is known as Komen, in Picard it is Comène, West Flemish is Koomn, and in Walloon it is Cômene.
The first Count of Saint-Pol, Roger I de Saint-Pol (1005 - 1067) had three sons Manasses, Robert and Hugues. Manasses (1025-1056), Robert Comte de Saint-Pol (1032-?), and Hugues I Comte de Saint-Pol -aka Hugues l'Ancien- (1040-1070).
Robert is said to have two sons by some accounts, by others he is said to have died in 1051 (in the same year as his mother Hadwide d'Houchin, Heiress of Houchin).
Unarguably, there are similarities between the following. But similarity alone is not proof.
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| House of Candavène Counts of Saint Pol |
House of Candavène-Beauval Lords of Beauval |
House of Candavène-Plessis Lords of Plessis and Breuil |
Personal Arms of Huges II Count of Saint Pol (as recorded in the Salles de Croissades, Château de Versailles) |
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| House of Comyn - Red Comyns Lords of Badenoch, Lochindorb, Dunphail, Dalswinton, Tynedale and Kirkintilloch |
House of Comyn Lords of Badenoch (variant coat of arms) |
House of Comyn Lords of Balvenie and Gorgon Earls of Buchan |
Comyn Crest The dagger (at least) is an addition from the wars of Scottish independence and John III Comyn's assassination by Robert the Bruce |
In 1066 at the time of the Norman invasion, Badouin V de Flandre (Baldwin V of Flanders) notably has vassals including the counts of Guines, Hesdin, and Saint-Pol. Baldwin V is also father-in-law to William the Conqueror (aka Duke William II of Normandy, King William I of England).
Thanks to clan record keeping, the timeline we are quite certain of, is as follows:
1066:
Robert de Comines serves under Count Baldwin V of Flanders at Hastings. He is cited as the forebear of the Comyns, although this remains unproven. He either makes a name for himself in battle or is well connected to the Conqueror or those close to him. It is believed he marries one of William the Conqueror’s sisters.
1068:
Robert de Comines is elevated as Earl of Northumbria and sent north to put down anti-Norman rebellion.
1069:
Robert de Comines’ army suffered ravages along the way. He and his entire force, bar one, were slain at Durham in January 1069, but not before he had secured his lineage with a son.
1070:
William the Conqueror wreaks his revenge - the ‘harrying of the North’.
1100’s:
William Cumin is schooled as an assistant to Geoffrey Rufus, Chancellor of England.
1114:
The birth of William’s nephew, Richard Comyn, was the same year as Prince Henry, son of the future David I, whose wife Maud is the Conqueror’s great niece. They grow up together. Developing a remarkable relationship between the Comyns and Scotland’s royal family.
1125:
William Cumin is ‘making his way’ and emerges first in the Midlands as Archdeacon of Worcester.
1135:
William becomes Chancellor of Scotland.
1141:
Cumin covets and violently ‘intrudes’ the See of Durham. He is excommunicated March 1143.
1144:
He makes a ‘settlement’ and withdraws from Durham. Confers lands on his nephew Richard Comyn.
1145:
Richard marries Hextilda, daughter of Uchtred, Lord of Tynedale, and Bethoc daughter of King Donald III of Scotland -their ‘strategic’ marriage brings estates in Tynedale, Northumbria, Roxburgh, the Borders.
1158:
Ricardus Cumin’ is recorded as one of Scotland's 12 leading ‘Normans’.
1163:
Birth of Richard’s heir, William Comyn. Reputedly ‘born of Altyre’ -though this is not evidenced.
1165:
William the Lion, son of Prince Henry, becomes King of Scotland. William Comyn becomes his ‘right hand’.
1181:
William Comyn supports William the Lion against the rebellions of the Meic Uilleim.
1202:
He again defeats the Meic Uilleim. Appointed Justiciar of Scotia and as the king’s envoy to England.
1210:
He is the first Anglo Norman ‘earl’ in Scotland. Chief of Clan Comyn and Warden of Moray.
1214:
Death of William the Lion. Comyn is one of 7 earls who announce Alexander II as Scotland’s new king.
1215:
Birth of John Comyn I (1215-75).
1229:
Final routing of the Meic Uilleim. Alexander II awards William the hereditary title of Lord of Badenoch.
1233:
William is buried at Deer Abbey. His sons Richard, Walter, John, Alexander, John will all make their mark.
1242:
Birth of John II ‘the Black’ Comyn – he later married Eleanor de Balliol. Eleanor was the daughter of John I Balliol; this tying him to her brother John Balliol King of the Scots 1292-96.
1245:
Sir Robert Comyn of Altyre born. The Cummings of Altyre have direct descent from his line Robert traces his line through his grandfather Richard Comyn (d 1245) to his father William Earl of Buchan (d 1233) and thereby to Richard Comyn (d 1179) and Hextilda. Richard in turn was the nephew of William Cumin (d 1159). If William was born late 1090s/early 1100s his (unknown) father might have been born just before the death of Robert de Comines 1069 which might fuel hypothetically the possibility that De Comines was his grandfather.
1249:
Death of Alexander II. End of the ‘Golden Age’. Walter Comyn is now the primary influence at court.
1258:
Controversial death of Walter Comyn. John I Comyn is undisputed clan chief and Lord of Badenoch.
1269:
Birth of John III ‘the Red’ Comyn. Lord of Badenoch and Lord of Lochaber. Nephew of King John Balliol. Cousin to John Comyn, 3rd Earl of Buchan
1270:
Expeditionary force under John Comyn I and Alexander Stewart vanquish the Manx at Ronaldsway.
1274:
Birth of Robert ‘the Bruce’ (King of Scotland from 27 March 1306).
1275:
John I Comyn dies.
1286:
John II ‘the Black’ Comyn serves as Guardian of the Realm 1286-1292. John II was also one of six Regents for Margaret, Queen-Designate of Scotland and Daughter of Norway (1286-1290); aka Margaret, Maid of Norway.
1289:
Death of highly influential Alexander Comyn. Magnate, power broker, chief counsellor to Alexander III. Existence of the ‘church of Altyre’ recorded in Registrum Moravienses.
1290-1292:
John II ‘the Black’ Comyn, clan chief, is one of 6 Guardians of the Realm tasked with governing Scotland.
1292:
John Balliol chosen by Edward I as king of the Scots. Edward makes his own son heir to Scottish throne.
1295:
Wars of Independence commence.
1298:
John III ‘the Red’ Comyn succeeds William Wallace and becomes Guardian of Scotland. He is in office 1298-1304 and serves with: Robert the Bruce (1298-1300); William Lamberton (1299-1301); Ingram de Umfraville (1300-1301); John de Soules (1301-1302). John III is in turn succeeded by John of Brittany, Earl of Richmond (appointed by King Edward I of England).
1299:
Violent disagreement and scuffle between John III Comyn and Robert Bruce at Selkirk Forest.
1299-1303:
High-water mark of Comyn efforts to drive the English from Southern Scotland. The 3 main branches of the family – Badenoch, Buchan and Kilbride – equip their men and castles to attack and harry the English.
1302:
John II ‘the Black’ Comyn dies. John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, becomes Justiciar of Scotland. He is currently the most powerful political and military leader in Scotland.
1303:
John Comyn Justiciar of Scotland leads an army of 8,000 men against the English 30,000 in the battle of Roslin and wins.
1304:
King Edward ravages Comyn castles and communities. Subjugates Lochindorb. John Comyn surrenders. Edward shows leniency because of Comyn’s family connections. Comyn was married to Edward’s cousin.
1305:
William Wallace betrayed by John de Menteith, handed to the English and Executed in London 23 Aug.
1306:
(Feb 10 at Dumfries) John III ‘The Red’ Comyn and Sir Robert Comyn slain by Robert the Bruce and his supporters. John ’the Red’ Comyn is stabbed by Robert the Bruce at the high altar of the Franciscan church in Dumfries.
Sir Robert Comyn is slain while rushing to the defence of his nephew.
Hostilities break out immediately between Comyn and Bruce supporters and endure until their bitter conclusion at Bannockburn in 1314.
(25 March) Robert the Bruce is crowned King Robert I of Scotland.
Robert the Bruce is excommunicated by Pope Clement V for his part in the murder of John Comyn.
1307:
(July) Death of King Edward I of England. Preoccupied at home, his son Edward II relaxes his grip on Scotland.
1308:
Bruce seizes the opportunity to destroy the physical structure of Comyn's power. The ‘hership’ (harrying) of Clan Comyn begins, crushing its leaders and networks, seizing Comyn land and titles, handing them to Bruce’s supporters, and driving the clan from its people and assets.
This period is also known as the ‘hardship’ or ‘rape’ of Buchan. Robert the Bruce ordered the lands of Buchan to be destroyed. Vast areas were burnt to the ground, livestock slain, Comyn supporters murdered.
1313:
Bruce invades Comyn strongholds on the Isle of Man. His forces captured the island in 5 days.
1314:
June Bannockburn. Final defeat of Comyns. End of the male line of Badenoch.
1319:
Birth of Sir Richard Comyn (1319-1407).
1320:
By an act of parliament held at Perth, Thomas, the young son of Ferquhard Comyn, is exempted from the forfeitures of land and assets imposed on the Comyns at large for their support of John Balliol. The exemption proves a catalyst in the formal development of Altyre as the new centre of Clan Comyn.
1329:
Robert the Bruce has his excommunication lifted by Pope John XXII.
1330’s:
Balliol and Comyn supporters contest their ‘disinheritance’, ‘encouraged’ by Edward III. Alice Comyn’s husband Henry Beaumont, 4th Earl of Buchan, leads a new tilt at the Scottish throne based on the claims of Edward Balliol. A second war of independence breaks out. Edward III enable Balliol to re-invade Scotland in the spring of 1333. Beaumont was installed as Earl of Moray and as Earl of Buchan and appointed Constable of Scotland.
1335:
November. Comyn's loyalties are split between Balliol and David Bruce. The family and descendants of Sir Robert Comyn and Sir Richard of Altyre commit to Bruce. His supporters gained a crushing victory at Culblean, effectively ending any remaining hopes that a united family could restore its political fortunes.
1350:
Sir Thomas Cuming of Altyre (1295-1365) obtains a lease of the lands of Rothiemarchus (former Cuming lands) from the Bishop of Moray. Unwilling to yield it back to the Shaws, wars broke out between Cumings and Shaws over the Duchus of Rothiemarchus. James Shaw, Chief of clan Shaw was killed, Shaw’s son soon after attacked and killed Cuming at a place still known as Lag-Nan-Cumineach.
It lays in a hollow by north of the hill called Calart, by Loch-An-Eilan (lake of the island), near Pityoulish.
1365:
Sir Thomas Cuming of Altyre is slain by the Shaws.
1366:
David II gives the forest of Lochindorb and the keeping of its castle to Symon Reid, Constable of Edinburgh Castle.
1368:
Sir Richard Cuming of Altyre (d 1407) is the acknowledged Chief of Clan Comyn and in high favour with David II, he is sent on an embassy to the English court to negotiate affairs of state with Edward III.
He receives a charter from King David II, granting him the lands of Devally, with the office of the forestership of of the Forest of Ternway (Darnaway).
1370:
Sir Richard Cuming of Altyre receives another charter from King David II.
1370-71:
By 1370, the male Comyn line existed only in the descendants of the uncles of John III, ‘The Red’ Comyn. This was the first year of King Robert II's reign. He took up where his grandfather left off in pursuing his family’s feud against the Comyns. He began by granting the Lordship of Badenoch to his own son Alexander, later infamously known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch. ' He revoked Comyn claims to Dunphail in favour of the Grants.
1371:
At court held in Perth by the newly crowned King Robert II, Sir Richard Cuming resigns the castle of Darnaway to Thomas, son of John the Grant, whose daughter (Agnes) he had married.
1384:
By now, the family is known as ‘Cuming’. We have the first formal reference to Altyre in the person of Ferqhuard Comyn in 1384. King Robert II bestows ‘the Forestership of Drummond and Tulloch’ on Ferquhardo Cuming de Altyr’.
1407:
Sir Richard Cuming passes away, he had granted to his son Duncan (b. 1346) the lands of Lochtervandich; in Glenrinnes he is granted the half dauch of Auchmore; in Strathaven he is granted the dauchs of Riven, Tomoclaggen, and Glenconylan; and in Auchindown he is granted the dauchs of Enoch and Pitglasses.
1419:
Sir Thomas Cuming of Altyre (1379-) obtains a warrant from the crown to build the castles and fortalices of Dollas and Earnside.
c.1430s-40s:
Robert Farquharson Cuming of Lochtervandich (b.1402) marries a daughter (b.1420) of Gordon, of Invercurroch.
c.1470s-80s:
Alexander Cuming of Lochtervandich (b.1447) marries a daughter (b.1460) of the Laird of Benwell.
c.1530s-1540s:
Ferquhard Cuming of Lochtervandich (b.1490) marries a daughter (b.1519) of Walter Leslie, of Kininvie.
c.1580s-1590s:
George Cuming of Lochtervandich (b.1539) marries Margaret Grant (b.1568), daughter of Duncan Grant.
1600:
George Cuming of Lochtervandich, Merchant, and Provost of Elgin is born. He succeeded to the family estate, was also a merchant trader in the burgh of Elgin, and was its provost for thirty years. He married Marjorie, daughter of William Leslie of Kinninvie.
1659:
George Cuming, Provost of Elgin (b.1600) buys Lynmore, Soccach & Dellacham in the north of Glenrinnes, Mortlach parish.
1675:
William Cuming of Lochtervandich (b.1634) sells his paternal lands of Lochtervandich, and sells his other Glenrinnes lands to Alex Duff of Keithmore and his son Alex Duff of Braco.
He then bought the lands of Auchry, Monquhitter, in Aberdeenshire and becomes William Cuming of Auchry. William’s eldest son, John Cumine (b.1665) is ten years old at the time.
William’s son, William (b. 1669), whom would become William Cumine of Longside, and whom we descend, is 6 years old at the time.
George Cuming (b.1600) becomes George Cuming, Laird of Auchry and Provost of Elgin.
The estate of Auchry passes to his William’s (b.1634) son, John Cuming of Auchry, it is held by his descendants until sold by the late Archibald Cuming of Auchry in 1835.
1689:
George Cuming dies and William Cuming becomes Laird of Auchry.
1695:
William Cumine of Longside has a son, he would become William Cumming of Sandhole. # Are we sure its Sandhole and not Sandfordhill? There’s a Sandfordhill nearby, but the nearest Sandhole (today) seems to be in Kent in the south east of England.
1711:
John Cumine (b.1665) has a son, Joseph Cumine (1711-1785),
1731:
William Cumming of Sandhole has a son, Alexander Cumming of Longside.
1763:
Joseph Cumine is the founder of the town of Cuminestown in Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire. The town was designed by Sir Archibald Grant of Monymusk, a friend of Joseph Cumine.
1774:
Alexander Cumming of Longside has a son, Alexander Cumming.
1807:
Alexander’s brother John Cumming (1770-1849) succeeds his grandfather, Alexander Skinner, as incumbent Dean of St John’s Church Longside.
1813:
Alexander Cumming has a son, Marianus Cumming (1813-1859). Mariannus would go on to change his name back more than 100 years to Mariannus Cuming, it was his position that the spelling ‘Cuming’ was more true to the roots, more correct. Mariannus is the progenitor of Clan Cuming Australia, and also some of our kin in the Americas.
1824:
Cardhu Distillery was founded by whiskey smuggler John Cumming. This distillery is the birthplace of Johnnie Walker whisky. It was Johnnie Walker's primary distillery and the only distillery capable of providing enough to JW.
Glenfiddich’s first stills were the old Cardhu stills, bought by William Grant. As of 2024, the Grant and Gordon family is the second wealthiest family in Scotland
Nb. I’m having trouble pinpointing this James (whom married Elizabeth) in our tree. I’m struggling to find his birthdate on the internet and may need to speak with Cardhu distillery and ask for any tree they may have of him. He connects somewhere, though I’m not sure where.
1834:
John Cumming (1770-1834) becomes the incumbent Dean of Aberdeen
1858:
The first train arrives at Rothesay Station (then Kennebecasis Station) in New Brunswick, Canada, to the first Stationmaster, Marianus Cuming (1813-1859).
Marianus had moved from Scotland to Canada to organise and build a college of veterinary surgery.
1862:
James Cuming Sr. (Son of Marianus) arrives in Melbourne, Australia, after first migrating from Scotland to New Brunswick, Canada, in 1859-1860. He prospers a farrier and studies chemistry.
1872:
James Cuming Sr., his brother-in-law George Smith, and the merchant Charles Campbell purchase a chemical works in Yarraville, Melbourne (Robert Smith & Co.). Together, they form Cuming, Smith & Co.
Their company manufactures acids and (later) superphosphate.
Their operations are at 221 Whitehall St, Yarraville.
1875:
Cuming, Smith & Co. became the first company to make superphosphate in Australia by leasing adjoining bone mills and manufacturing bone dust and bone and guano superphosphate.
After 1876:
Cuming, Smith & Co. acquire James MacMeikan Manure Co. also on the site of 221 Whitehall St, Yarraville and expand on the site. Now running both Cuming, Smith & Co. Chemical works, and Cuming, Smith & Co.’s Victoria Bone Mills.
1881:
George Smith leaves the partnership.
1882:
Robert Burns Cuming established the Adelaide Chemical Company in a joint venture with Alfred Felton, F. S. Grimwade, and Charles Campbell.
1889:
Adelaide Chemical Works is flooded by the river Torrens.
1893-1894:
Robert Burns Cuming becomes Mayor of the Town of Thebarton, Adelaide. (Approximately the modern day suburbs of Thebarton, Torrensville and Mile End).
1895:
James Cuming Sr. becomes the first president of the Western Bulldogs Australian Rules Football Club (then the Footscray Bulldogs). At the time of writing in 2024, he still holds the club record for longest presidency (1895-1911).
1898:
Grace Cuming (James Cuming Sr.’s daughter) unveils the Western Bulldogs’ (Footscray) first premiership flag.
1900:
Adelaide Chemical Works builds an additional plant an 11.5 acre (c.4.65 hectare) site at Ocean Steamer Wharf, Port Adelaide. The plant, covering 0.53 acres (c.0.21 hectares) is designed by Robert Burns Cuming’s younger brother Marianus. The plant initially employed around forty workers.
Western Bulldogs (Footscray) won their third premiership in a row (1898, 1899, 1900).
Adelaide Chemical Works establishes offices at 19 Currie St, Adelaide, in September.
1901:
Adelaide Chemical Works buys the Royal Chambers building, 38 Currie Street, for £8,500; the company’s head office was based in the ground floor of the building for almost sixty years onwards.
1901-1903:
Robert Burns Cuming becomes Mayor of the Town of Thebarton, Adelaide for a second term.
1905:
Grace Mary Cuming (1886-1960) marries Sir Alexander Anderson Stewart (1874-1956), a consulting engineer and pioneer of the Australian industrial gas industry.
1906:
Sir Alexander Stewart joins William Fyvie with Fyvie & Stewart, a consulting engineering business. They were at the forefront of the exploitation of new techniques, including the use of Oxy-acetylene for cutting and welding steel, and the Linde liquid air process for making oxygen. Fyvie & Stewart would later become Alex. Stewart & Co. The company ran from 1906-1932 though I don’t know if this is when the name changed or whether the entire business dissolved in 1932.
1907:
Cuming, Smith & Co. Operate a wood distillation plant at Britannia Creek (1907-1924)
1908:
William Fehon Cuming becomes a chemist with Cuming, Smith and Co.
Harry Wilson Cuming becomes a clerk with Cuming, Smith and Co.
1909:
Cuming, Smith & Co. Commence manufacturing at the Bassendean Works using the brand name ‘Florida’.
1910:
West Guildford Railway Station was built due to the establishment of Cuming, Smith & Co. Bassendean / West Guildford.
Cuming, Smith & Co. is the first producer of Single Superphosphate in Australia, in the Bassendean plant.
James Cuming presents £1,000 to the University for the purpose of establishing 'The James Cuming Prize'. 'The prize is to be awarded annually to the student with the top mark in a subject relating to the study of agricultural chemistry, such subject to be determined from time to time by the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences'. The prize was made a University regulation in 1910 and has been running annually ever since.
1911:
Fyvie & Stewart (or was it Alex. Stewart & Co. now?) forms Commonwealth Oxygen Co.
Sir Alexander Stewart joins the board of Cuming, Smith Co.
1916-1918:
Harry Wilson Cuming serves in the Great War with the 8th Brigade A.I.F., he is staff captain in France.
1918-1919:
Harry Wilson Cuming serves with the 5th Australian Division, he is Deputy Assistant Quartermaster General (D.A.Q.M.G.). Harry wins the Military Cross and Bar.
1920:
William Fehon Cuming is appointed manager of Melbourne Cuming, Smith and Co.
Cuming, Smith & Co. purchases Altona Homestead for use as a seaside holiday resort for their employees, installing trams in the park for sleeping accommodation, and adapting the homestead to provide all kitchen and bathroom requirements. The Meddings family lived in the homestead and were employed as caretakers.
1922:
William Fehon Cuming and Harry Wilson Cuming both separately named in the “Who’s Who of Australia” p.618
William at the time is General Manager of Cuming, Smith and Co., and a member of various chemical societies.
Harry is Victorian representative of “Tintex” Australasia, Dye manufacturers; and a shareholder of Cuming, Smith and Co.
He is a member of numerous clubs; the Australian, C.T.A., Savage, Melbourne Cricket Club, Royal Yacht Club, Riversdale Golf, Naval and Military, and Royal Automobile.
1925:
Cuming, Smith & Co. buys the Warburton sawmill and timber concessions from the liquidation of Enterprise Sawmilling Co. Pty Ltd. It is purchased for £9,500 following a dispute between the shareholders leading to protracted litigation.
The mill was located off the end of Henri Street, Warburton, VIC.
1928:
Cuming, Smith & Co., Mt Lyell Mining and Railway Co Ltd, and Nobel Australia Ltd (later ICI Australia), buy Australian Fertilisers Limited from Mt Morgan Mining Co. Ltd, and Electrolytic Refining & Smelting Co. of Australia Ltd.
This comes on the wake of Mount Morgan Copper Mining collapse and gives Cuming, Smith Co. and partners a newly built (6-7 years old) facility in Port Kembla.
1929:
Cuming, Smith & Co. joins with others to form Commonwealth Fertilisers as the major shareholder. William (WF) Cuming is appointed Managing Director
The Port Kembla facility is upgraded by 50% increase in capacity, a project already underway at the time of purchase the year prior.
1930:
The sum of £2,028.11s.10d. was donated to the University of Melbourne by members of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce for the purpose of establishing 'The James Cuming Memorial Scholarships' in memory of 'James Cuming, late Chairman of Directors of Messrs. Cuming Smith and Co. Pty. Ltd., and formerly president of the Chamber.’
This scholarship has been running over 95 years
1931:
The Port Kembla facility is closed early in the year amidst effects of the Great Depression impacting farmers and their demand for fertilisers.
It reopens later in the year.
1932:
Either Fyvie & Stewart dissolves or Alex. Stewart & Co. does, or Fyvie & Stewart dissolves and Alex. Stewart & Co. is formed.
Cuming, Smith & Co. sells all plant and equipment of Warburton saw-milling operation by public auction.
1933:
WF Cuming dies and is replaced as Managing Director by Bennett Perry MD of CSML Pty Ltd WA.
1935:
Commonwealth Oxygen Co. merges with a Grimwade family company and forms Commonwealth Industrial Gases Ltd. Sir Alexander Stewart is its first Chairman.
Through his life Sir Alexander Stewart is involved in numerous companies. Some he was involved with include Commonwealth Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd, Australian Fertilizers Ltd, Industrial Chemicals and Imperial Chemical Industry of Australia & New Zealand Ltd. At the time of his death he was chairman of six major Australian companies, including Broken Hill South Ltd and the Trustees Executors & Agency Co., and a director of 15 others; Broken Hill South Ltd was part of the Collins House Group. It would go on to be taken over by Western Mining Corporation WMC, with part of its assets sold to CRA (Rio Tinto).
Stewart was Honorary consulting engineer, Alfred Hospital from 1911, president of the board 1935-39, 1942-46.
1936:
James Cuming Stewart FRCS (Sir Alexander Stewart and Grace Cuming’s son) is admitted into the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons.
1937:
Cuming, Smith & Co. sells Altona Homestead to the Werribee Shire Council. Ending 17 years of it being a company seaside holiday resort for employees.
The Port Kembla plant acquires land formerly occupied by Mt Lyell’s Port Kembla cokeworks.
1938:
Over 1938 and 1939, the Port Kembla plant production capacity is nearly tripled.
1939:
James Cuming Stewart FRCS is admitted into the Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) while associate surgeon to the Alfred Hospital.
1940-1946:
James Cuming Stewart FRCS serves in the second world war with the Australian Army Medical Corps. He is Assistant Director of Medical Services (Equipment) in the New Guinea Force in 1943-44.
1943:
Marianus Adrian Cuming is appointed Chairman and Managing Director of
Cuming, Smith, British Petroleum & Farmers (CSBP & Farmers) WA (1943-1971).
1945:
Mac Cuming serves on the board of the Alfred Hospital (1945-1977).
1949:
Mac Cuming serves as deputy-chairman of the Victorian board of the Australian Mutual Provident Society (AMP) (1949-1976).
1946-1962:
James Cuming Stewart FRCS (1905-1970) returns to the Alfred Hospital, first as surgeon to outpatients, then surgeon to inpatients before forced early retirement due to angina. He spends the rest of his life as director of several industrial companies, but maintains his association with the Alfred Hospital as a member of the Board of Management.
1950:
Work Starts again on extending the Port Kembla plant’s production capacity. This time from 80,000 to 90,000 tons per annum, increased phosphate storage, increased crushing facilities, and increased dispatch facilities.
1951:
Port Kembla upgrades are concluded and proposals to upgrade the acid facilities are put forward. These include the addition of a contact acid plant to brings about the ability to make 98% sulphuric acid (up from 74% by the chamber process). This would go on to happen in 1960.
1954:
A Law graduate, Lindsay Cuming (Son of David, son of Mari Anthony Cuming, is offered by Mac Cuming the position of Secretary of CSMLFF WA but opts in favour of an offer from Nicholas Pty Ltd an Australian-owned pharmaceutical company - selling its famous product 'Aspro' in 145 countries around the world -, to become its Legal Officer. He eventually became its Chief Executive. In 2023 he became President (and Chief) of Clan Cuming Australia Inc
1955:
Sponsored by Lady (Grace ) Stewart - youngest child of James Snr and wife of Sir Alexander Stewart - the Cuming Family in Australia published its first printed version of the Family Tree. This was distributed to members attending the first-ever Cuming Clan Australia Ceilidh held at the home in Lilydale, Victoria, of Keith and Shirley Gardner (Shirley, daughter of Robert Burns Cuming Jr.)
Mac Cuming joins the Boards of ICIANZ and BHP
Angela Cuming (1932-2019) marries William David McPherson AO, Director of McPhersons, Board of directors of BHP. William David (David) is grandson of Sir William Murray McPherson, 31st Premier of Victoria, and great-grandson of Thomas McPherson, Mayor of Melbourne.
Angela’s brother-in-laws (by David’s sister Barbara) are: David John Hamer AM DSC, Deputy President of the Senate, Established the Arts Council of Victoria, President of the Arts Council of Australia, President of the Australian Film Institute; Sir Rupert James Hamer AC KCMG ED, 39th Premier of Victoria, namesake of Hamer Hall; and Alan Hamer, Rhodes Scholar, and Managing Director of ICIANZ
1960:
A second (much smaller) Ceilidh is held at the Gardners in Lilydale, Vic.
1961:
Commonwealth Fertilisers is sold to Imperial Chemical Industries of Australia & New Zealand (ICIANZ) - today known as Orica - for cash and shares. Cuming Smith becomes the largest Australian shareholder in ICIANZ
The Port Kembla Facility (still Australian Fertilisers Limited, but now under ICIANZ) is upgraded again. This time with a contact acid plant that enables it to utilise SO2 rich gas from the copper ore sinter machine recently installed at nearby ERS (Electrolytic Refining and Smelting Co. of Australia Ltd.)
1962:
Marianus Adrian (Mac) Cuming was appointed Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG).
1964:
Mac Cuming serves as chairman of ACF & Shirleys Fertilisers Ltd (1964-1965)
1965:
Mac Cuming serves as a trustee of the Baker Medical Research Institute (1965-1976).
"Mid 1960s":
NSW fertiliser demand exceeds Port Kembla plant capacity and fertiliser is brought in (internally purchased) from other ICIANZ facilities in Victoria to supply NSW demands. # I need some better dates on this
1968:
Production ceased in Bassendean WA
1969:
Lindsay Cuming is appointed Chief Executive of Nicholas International Ltd, a position he will hold for thirteen years. He returned with his family from the UK in 1972
Australian Fertilisers Co. Ltd (AFL) buys Cockle Creek plant in Newcastle from former Sulphide Corporation.
1970:
CSBP & Farmers takes over Cresco Fertilisers.
“Early 1970’s”:
James Cuming Memorial Building, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, is demolished to make way for a newer building. Cuming Lecture Theatre is created in its replacement. # I need some better dates on this
The Port Kembla Facility is upgraded again, this time with a second contact acid plant. This second plant was later converted to process refinery residues, and would remain as the last of the former AFL (Australian Fertilisers Ltd.) plant in use. # I need some better dates on this
1971:
Last despatches of superphosphate from the old Bassendean depot.
1975:
Mac Cuming serves as vice president of the Alfred Hospital (1975-1977).
1977:
Mac Cuming serves as Governor of the Ian Clunies Ross Memorial Foundation (1977-1978).
Cuming Smith and Company Ltd is wound up with Mac cuming retiring as Chairman
After some fifty-five years of continuous service to Cuming Smith and Company Ltd, Mac Cuming could look back with much satisfaction at his contribution to the fortunes of the family business. He could reflect favourably on his contribution to Australian business as a member of the boards of BHP Ltd, and ICIANZ Ltd, and the AMP Society (Deputy Chair Vic). He was widely regarded as a highly respected member of the Australian business community. In 1962 he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
He also contributed to community affairs through his membership of the Alfred Hospital Board (VP 1975-7), as a Governor of the Clunies Ross Foundation, and as a Trustee of the Baker Research Institute. MAC died peacefully in 1988 at the age of eighty-seven
1978:
Lindsay Cuming was elected President of Caulfield Grammar School Council (1978-2002)
1980-1987:
Steve Cuming, Lindsay's eldest son, and his wife Jane (Banting) updated the Family Tree from its 1955 version and printed it for distribution at the upcoming Ceilidh.
1983:
Lindsay Cuming was elected President of the Board of Epworth Hospital (1982-1992) and Chairman of the Trustees of the Epworth Medical Foundation from 1990 to 2002.
1987:
Ceilidh #3 is held at the home of Dr Brian Cuming, son of David Mitchell Cuming, son of Mari Anthony Cuming. William (Bill) Stewart, son of Sir Alex and Lady Stewart, plays “Chief” for the day. Haggis was enjoyed by all.
1987-1998:
Steve and Jane, assisted by Philippa (Pip) (daughter of Brian), further update the Tree and have it printed by Kim and Rowena (daughter of Lindsay) at their printery in Deniliquin NSW for the upcoming Ceilidh.
1996:
Lindsay Gordon Cuming was awarded an AM for his services to the Federal Government (Chairing a Venture Capital Scheme), and to the community in Health (Epworth Hospital) and Education (Caulfield Grammar)
1998:
Ceilidh #4 is held at Britannia Park Yarra Junction Vic. Thanks to Shirley Farrow (Cuming), daughter of James Cuming, son of William Cuming, and a former Chief Girl Guide for the State of Victoria. James Stewart Cuming AM, son of James Cuming, son of Robert Burns Cuming, was anointed “Chief” for the day. The event attracted the largest attendance yet, with professional actor Robin Cuming, son of Mac Cuming, playing the role of MC in great style. Haggis was in great demand.
1998-2012:
Under the hand of Lindsay, the self-appointed “Keeper of the Family Tree, Steve and Pip Cuming set about establishing an online version of the Family Tree through Ancestry, thus enabling a continuous updating of “hatches, matches, and despatches” to be recorded and available to all members of the Clan. This was achieved in 2012. A Clan website, cumingclan.com.au, a family Facebook Group, and a Newsletter followed this. From this point, Pip has developed a sophisticated database recording contact details and other pertinent information for every member of the Clan, by Branch and by generation.
2010:
James Cuming (Sr.) was inducted into the Western Bulldogs Hall of Fame.
2018:
Presentation by Steve: Cuming Family Tree and Heritage 1069- 2018.
2020:
Formation of Cuming Clan Australia Committee chaired by Lindsay Cuming (include founding members and later additions?)
2022:
Cuming Clan Australia Inc is registered in Victoria as an incorporated association. Office bearers: President Lindsay Cuming. Senior Vice President Peter Gardner, Vice President Phillipa (Pip) Cuming, Treasurer Will Cuming, Secretary Rowena Jackson.
Delayed (due to Covid19 outbreak) Ceilidh held at Cuming House Yarra Junction Campus of Caulfield Grammar. Steve Cuming was the witty MC, Clan Chief Lindsay Cuming welcomed Clan members and Sally Cuming (daughter of Ian, son of George, son of Mari Anthony) gave a wonderful talk on “The women of the Cuming Clan”. The Haggis was presented and enjoyed.
John Cuming, son of Mac Cuming, and member of the Clan Committee, died at the age of 92
2023:
Clan Picnic at Yarraville Gardens (alongside statue of James Cuming Sr.)
2024:
Clan Picnic at Point Lonsdale residence of Jane Kleimeyer’s family
The Clan’s first Strategic Plan is approved
An updated, upmarket printed version of the Family Tree is published (its not published yet is it?)
The Committee reached agreement to have the history of Cuming Smith & Co Ltd written and published
2025: