John James Sumpter Sr (1842 - 1899)

Born 7 Jul 1842 in Warrenton, Warren, Missouri, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Nancy Etter (Cayce) Sumpter — married 8 Nov 1866 in Pulaski, Arkansas, United States

Died 22 Jun 1899 at age 56 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

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Biography

John Sumpter Sr is Notable.

Colonel John Sumpter Sr served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: Jul 15, 1861
Mustered out: 1865
Side: CSA
Regiment(s): 3rd Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry

John James Sumpter is a notable figure in history due to his remarkable journey of service, leadership, and resilience. From his valiant service as a Confederate Army officer during the Civil War, where he rose to the rank of Colonel and participated in over 200 battles, to his roles as legislator, sheriff, and respected member of various organizations, Sumpter left an indelible mark on his community and state. His enduring commitment to public service, business ventures, philanthropy, and community engagement showcases a multifaceted individual who dedicated his life to shaping the development of Hot Springs and Garland County, Arkansas. Sumpter's distinguished legacy serves as an inspiration, highlighting the profound impact one person can have on history through determination, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his ideals.^[1][2][3]

John James Sumpter, born on July 7, 1842, in Warrenton, Warren County, Missouri, embarked on a journey marked by valor, civic duty, and entrepreneurial spirit. His lineage boasted significant historical figures, as he was the great-grandson of Captain William Sumter and the great-grandnephew of Brig. General Thomas Sumter, after whom Fort Sumter was named. His parents, James Nelson Sumpter and Elizabeth Hilliard Sumpter, instilled in him a strong sense of family heritage and pride.^[1][2][3]

In 1843, the Sumpter family relocated to Hot Springs, Hot Spring County, Arkansas, setting the stage for young John's upbringing. His formative years were spent against the backdrop of Hot Springs, where he witnessed the transformation of the town and its inhabitants.^{[1][2][3][4][5]}

As the Civil War loomed, John's patriotism and courage led him to enlist in the Confederate Army as a private in Company "F" of the 3rd Arkansas Cavalry. His dedication and leadership were evident as he advanced through the ranks, ultimately achieving the rank of Colonel and commanding the company during its surrender. He participated in more than 200 battles and skirmishes, serving under notable commanders like General Forrest, Van Dorn, and Wheeler. His service covered critical moments of the war, including the retreat from Dalton to Savannah, Georgia, and the journey through South Carolina to North Carolina, where he stood with Johnston's Army upon its surrender in 1865.^{[1][2][3][6][7]}

In the aftermath of the war, on November 8, 1866, John married Nannie Etter Cayce in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.^[8] This union was blessed with three children, two sons, and a daughter, forming a tight-knit family unit that would weather challenges and celebrate triumphs together.^[1][2][3]

John's dedication to his community and state was evident in his various roles. He served as a member of the Arkansas House of Representatives in 1871, 1873, and 1874, advocating for his constituents' needs and contributing to the state's legislative landscape. His commitment extended to his position as Sheriff of the newly formed Garland County from 1874 to 1876, a time when his leadership helped shape the county's development.^{[1][2][3][9][10]}

In 1876, John's career took a legal turn as he was admitted to the bar, providing him with a platform to contribute further to his community. His involvement in the political arena continued with his membership in the National Democratic Committee from 1876 to 1884, where he contributed to shaping the direction of the party.^{[1][2][3][11]}

Throughout his life, John was a man of diverse interests and talents. He engaged in real estate ventures, acquiring numerous properties through various means, including Arkansas Homestead and Cash Entry Patents. He demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess as the owner and proprietor of the Sumpter House, a well-known hotel in Hot Springs. His business acumen extended to real estate, loans, and insurance, further solidifying his presence in the community.^[12]

John's commitment to philanthropy and community engagement was evident through his involvement in various organizations. A prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, he served as the grand master of the state in 1883 and 1884, exemplifying his dedication to Masonic principles. He was also affiliated with other secret orders, such as the Knights Templar and the K. of P. Additionally, his role in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, highlighted his faith and leadership within the congregation.^[1][2][3]

Tragically, John James Sumpter passed away on June 22, 1899, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to his community and family. He was laid to rest at Hollywood Cemetery in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas. His life, marked by both personal and professional accomplishments, is a testament to the impact one individual can make when guided by principles of honor, resilience, and commitment to the betterment of others.^{[1][2][3][13]}

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8} Hempstead, Fay. A Pictorial History of Arkansas: From Earliest Times to the Year 1890. United States: N. D. Thompson Publishing Company, 1890. "A Pictorial History of Arkansas From Earliest Times to the Year 1890." Accessed 16 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8} Newspaper Clipping, Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, Arkansas, 22 Jun 1899, Thu. - Page 1. "J. J. Sumpter Dead." Accessed 16 Aug 2023.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8} Wikipedia Contributors, Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last updated on 23 Jun 2023. "[[Wikipedia:John J. Sumpter|John James Sumpter Sr]." Accessed 16 Aug 2023.
4. ↑ 1850 United States Federal Census: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Hot Spring, Hot Spring, Arkansas; Roll: 26; Page: 300b Ancestry Record 8054 #9512097
5. ↑ 1860 United States Federal Census: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Hot Springs, Hot Spring, Arkansas; Roll: M653_42; Page: 909; Family History Library Film: 803042 Ancestry Record 7667 #13103437
6. ↑ U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865: Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, MA 02331; American Civil War Research Database Ancestry Record 1555 #305168
7. ↑ U.S., Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865: National Park Service. U.S., Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data: National Park Service, Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, online <http://www.itd.nps.gov/cwss/>, acquired 2007. Ancestry Record 1138 #2440823
8. ↑ Pulaski County, Arkansas, Marriages 1838-1999: Pulaski County Clerk; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marriage Records Ancestry Record 61797 #129229
9. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas; Roll: M593_54; Page: 543A Ancestry Record 7163 #13708885
10. ↑ U.S., IRS Tax Assessment Lists, 1862-1918: The National Archives and Records Administration; Washington, D.C.; Internal Revenue Assessment Lists for Arkansas, 1867-1874; Series: T1208; Roll: 3; Description: District 2; Annual Lists; 1870; Record Group: 58, Records of the Internal Revenue Service, 1791 - 2006 Ancestry Record 1264 #5907447
11. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: 45; Page: 115C; Enumeration District: 073 Ancestry Record 6742 #4712806
12. ↑ U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, "General Land Office Records." Accessed 16 Aug 2023.
13. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/207519766/john-james-sumpter: accessed 15 August 2023), memorial page for John James Sumpter (7 Jul 1842–22 Jun 1899), Find A Grave: Memorial #207519766, citing Hollywood Cemetery, Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by Never Behind (contributor 50215329).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q105835717