Birth of the Nation: The First Federal Congress 1789-1791
The First Federal Congress

Senator Thomas Sumter

Thomas Sumter

Drawing (ca. 1835) by William G. Armstrong (1823-1890) based on a work by Rembrandt Peale (1778-1860)

Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Thomas Sumter
Image Information and Source

Life dates: 14 August 1734-1 June 1832
Place of Residence (1789): Wateree River, South Carolina
Occupation (1789): Breeder; Planter; Speculator
Place of Birth: Charlottesville, Virginia
Age (March 4, 1789): 54
Religion (1789): Unknown
College Education: None
Marital Status (1789): Married
Military Service during the Revolutionary War: Officer, Continental Army (1776-78)
Officer, State Militia (1780-82)
Prior Political Offices: Provincial Congress
State Legislature
Delegate to Federal Convention: No
Delegate to State Ratification Convention: Yes
Pro/Anti ratification of Constitution: Anti
Support for strong central government (particularly in its executive functions) Strong
Last year of continuous service in House: 1793
Additional House Service 1797-1801
Senate Service 1801-1810
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