Nathaniel Cushing was one of five Massachusetts brothers who were engaged in various enterprises between 1790 and 1830, although most of their financial activities were concerned with some phase of shipping. Charles was a banker who helped finance trading and shipbuilding; Benjamin, Isaac, and Thomas became captains and traders; and Nathaniel tried a variety of ventures.
Nathaniel Cushing frequently seemed on the verge of great financial success, but though he was apparently able to make a comfortable living, he never acquired great property or wealth. Upon his death he left an insolvent estate. He owned a 118-acre farm on which the family lived at Pembroke (later Hanson?) in Plymouth County. At that place he also operated a store. For thirty years his small iron works at Hanover enjoyed steady business, making mainly anchors. For their production he imported pig iron from the Norfolk area and bought scrap in New England.
By 1820 he was turning to the manufacture of “fire frames and gridirons,” probably a simple stove. This project failed. In 1818 Cushing was working a string of small salt deposits near Dartmouth, but on his death owned only one salt works. He tried to manufacture cotton and woolen goods until cotton became so costly that he had to sell only wool yarn, and finally gave up the project completely. He had a shingle and box factory for a time, and then a tack factory. Neither survived more than a few years.
From time to time Cushing invested in the building or purchase of a schooner, and tried importing. He frequently made loans, but just as often had to borrow money.
Nathaniel Cushing seems to have been respected in his community, and was frequently responsible for affairs connected with his church (Congregational) or the district school. He saw to it that his five children received some education; and had one son, Ezekial, who became a doctor, studying at Harvard and in England.
