Theodore Cushing was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on March 9, 1770.  He was the fourth of eight children to parents Captain Caleb Cushing and Sarah Sawyer.  His father, Captain Caleb Cushing fought in the Revolutionary War, leaving his family for the entirety of the war. He would periodically send home some of the Continental money to help support the family, but it was of little value.  His absence left the family in a state of dependance upon the work of Sarah and the older children.

Theodore Cushing learned the furniture trade at a young age.  At the age of 8, he would walk up to 5 miles to reupholster chairs, which would earn him a pound of pork or a few quarts of meal, to help support the family.  Around the age of 18 he moved to Hopkinton, New Hampshire and worked as a salesman.  Around 1794, he moved to Salisbury, New Hampshire where he met Abigail Jackman, whom he married on May 27, 1798.  They had eight children: Samuel, James, Ann, Nathaniel, Sarah, Emily, Maria, and William. 

In 1806, the Cushings moved to Thetford, Vermont, where Theodore continued his furniture trade and farming.  In June 1831, he sold his farm and moved to West Greece, where he continued his furniture trade, specializing in spinning wheels and Windsor chairs.

While residing in West Greece, he was also in charge of a public library and spent time writing for the press on political matters.  He made a principal of voting in every election and supported the Federalist party, followed by the old Whig party.  The first vote he ever cast was for Washington at his second election.

Theodore Cushing was an active member of the church and worker in the Sabbath (aka Sunday) school.  He was also supportive of missionary work and made a monthly contribution to the funds of the American Board of Foreign Missions.  He was a member of the Masonic Order and became a corresponding member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society in 1847.

Theodore Cushing died on January 13, 1850, after a brief illness of 8 or 9 days.  His funeral was largely attended by the community among whom he was known as a good citizen, kind neighbor, and sincere Christian man.  

One of Theodore’s famous acquaintances was Daniel Webster. While living in Salisbury, Theodore made the acquaintance of Daniel Webster, who was a law student at the time.  In fact, the first case Webster ever tried in court was for Theodore.  

In 1837, Daniel Webster visited Rochester and addressed a large political gathering.  After dinner, he held a reception and as people were being introduced to him by Maltby Strong (Rochester doctor who would later become the mayor), Webster turned to Dr. Strong and said, “Here comes a man to whom I need no introduction, Theodore Cushing.  I knew him in Salisbury, New Hampshire, thirty-eight years ago – one of the most honest, industrious men I ever knew.”