Robert D. “Bob” Cumpston (1930-2018) was born, lived and died on his family’s farm near Colfax, the son of Virgil and Doris Weeks Cumpston. He lived there his entire life aside from a stint in the U.S. Air Force. He and his wife Donna were active in the community, including helping to found the Eastern McLean County Ambulance Assn. Additionally, Cumpston was active with the food pantry at Colfax Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 653 at Colfax, AmVets, VFW, Masons and Shriners.
He was best known for his metal animal sculpture usually made from farm implement parts. His business card identified them as “Oxidized Iron Sculpture,” which are “created from farm equipment components, many of the sculptures become even more lifelike with the addition of moving parts. Each piece seem to come alive with its own personality. Ideal for home, office and garden.” His sculptures can be seen at the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington as well as at homes throughout the area.
The collection includes documents from Mr. Cumpston’s personal life, but mostly business records. The collection is organized by subject matter.