In 1885, he moved to Albany County, Wyoming, where he worked as a ranch hand and a teacher.

He was admitted to the bar in 1889 and began practising law in Bassett, Nebraska.

He served as a member of Troop B, First Cavalry, Washington National Guard from 1896 to 1903.

Cushman was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-sixth and to the five succeeding Congresses and served from March 4, 1899, until his death in New York City on July 6, 1909.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress