Officer John Cummings succumbed to injuries received the previous day when he was beaten by two men he was attempting to arrest.

On 09/10/1875, Officer Cummings responded to a bar at Morgan and Jefferson Street in response to a dispute over a bar tab when two men refused to pay for their drinks. As Officer Cummings entered the bar two men began to beat him with a club and kick him. Officer Cummings sustained a severe concussion from the assault. Officer Cummings was taken to his home where his condition deteriorated, resulting in his death the next day. Two suspects were apprehended and held for trial.

Officer Cummings joined the department in 1874. He was survived by his wife, Catherine. Interred: Calvary Mausoleum and Cemetery, St Louis, MO.