O. Scott Cummins, the pIlgrim Bard, was born May 12, 1846, at Zenia, Harrison
  County, Ohio. His fatehr, Rev. Geo Irving Cummins, native of Scotland, and his
  mother, Mary Ann Clyde Cummins, from Ireland, were married in Scotland before
  coming to America.
     Rev. Cummins, a Methodist preacher for 55 years moved frequently as the church
  conference directed. When Scott was 18 months of age, they moved from Ohio to
  Northern Iowa. Most settlers were Indians of the Mesquoquie tribe. Many of his
  playmates wer young Indians. He learned their customs and habits. From these
  associations he wrote "The Legend of Cone."
     Scott enlisted for the vicil War at Drakeville, Iowa, in Co. A 3rd Iowa Calvary
  in 1861. He participated in all the battles of Gen. Wilson's Calvary Raids. He was
  mustered out August 8, 1864.
     On April 4, 1865, in Appanoose County, Iowa, Scott married Mary Melinda Martin,
  born October 27, 1848. A daughter, Nina Canema, was born on the farm given to them
  by Mary Melinda's father.
     While visiting Scott's family, now living at Paola, Kansas, a son Rolland was
  born, but lived only a few months. They returned to Iowa, adopted a three year
  old orphan brought in from New York. He was name Dugan for an old war buddy.
     In 1870 Scott was recognized as a founder of Wellington, Kansas. He was a
  Justice of the Peache and proprietor of 'The Frontier House', Wellington's first
  hotel. They returned to Iowa because of Mary's health, and Daisy Lorn was born.
  Doctors advised higher, dryer climate for her rheumatism, so they returned to Paola,
  with 3 covered wagons, driving cattle and horses.
     Mary Melinda and Scott went on to Barber County and staked claims near Lodi,
  returned to Paola for the winter. In the spring they began a six weeks trip to 
  Lodi, a store and post office southwest of Medicine Lodge.
     Scott was appointed U.S. Marshall and given an arsenal to be used for protection
  of settlers from Indians. They wre stored in his dugout home.
     Two years later, they moved 5 miles from the first claim, now 18 miles southwest
  of Medicine Lodge, a place called 'Last Chance;. The Mule Creek crossing was called
  "Cummins Ford". The Cummins family operated a general store and lodging house and
  served meals. 'Last Chance' was on the cattle trail from Ft. Supply to Honeywell.
  It was later named Canema for little Nina Canema.
     Three sons were born, Walter Scott who died in flud epidemic; Donald DeWitt
  (Dewey) died September 22, 1969, and Dwight who died soon after birth.
     In the Cherokee Strip Run Scott staked a claim on Salt Fork River, 3 miles south
  and 7 1/2 west of Hardtner. They built a lovely farm home near the original dugout -
  near Winchester, Oklahoma.
     Mary died January 24, 1903 and was buried on a knoll near Scott's mother, Mary
  Ann, on the home place.
     Scott continued to live at his home where he wrote 'Musings of the Pilgram Bard,"
  "Owaaneo" (Pale Flower), and "Twilight Reveries". His writing was encouraged years
  before by Tom McNeal, founder of "Medicine Lodge Cresset," later with Topeka "Mail
  and Breeze."
     Scott presented a rough exterior, but was deeply spiritual, due to early trainging
  and his own Bible reading. He was a concerned, compassionate, warm, and loving person.
  He prefered quietude of home and friends.
     On March 24, 1928, he died and is buried in Alva Cemetery.             
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 146 
     Submitted by: Joy (Cameron) Sherman