Thomas De Lage Sumter

Thomas De Lage Sumter (November 14, 1809 – July 2, 1874) was a U.S. Representative from South Carolina, grandson of Revolutionary War General Thomas Sumter. His parents were Thomas Sumter Jr., Ambassador to Brazil, and Natalie De Lage de Volude, adoptive daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr.

Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, Sumter attended the common schools at Edgehill, near Stateburg, South Carolina.

He was graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1835 and entered the United States Army as first lieutenant the same year, serving until 1841 and attaining the rank of colonel. He was engaged in the war against the Seminole Indians.

Later, he moved to Stateburg.

Sumter was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh Congresses, serving from March 4, 1839, to March 3, 1843. Serving in South Carolina's 8th congressional district, he was the last individual to hold that seat, which was eliminated in 1843 as a result of the 1840 census.

He engaged in teaching, surveying and agricultural pursuits. He was also connected to the fledgling South Carolina Railroad Company as an agent.

Sumter died on his plantation, "South Mount," near Stateburg, on July 2, 1874, and was interred in the private burial ground on his estate.

Sources

• United States Congress. "Thomas De Lage Sumter (id: S001074)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.