Sumpter Family History Notes
Alexander Sumpter, Jr.
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Glen Hamilton's notes: Alexander Sumpter, Jr. was the younger brother of Sarah Jane "Jane" (Sumpter) Hamilton, the wife of Supplina Hamilton. Alexander, Jr.'s notebook was passed down to his son, John A. Sumpter, and now to their descendants in Oregon.
These few family history notes are a wonderful gift from our distant Uncle Alexander. I wish we had this kind of outline on the Hamilton side. If we did, our difficulty in understanding the history of John Hamilton, father of Supplina and William, would be eased immensely.
Though originally loyal English subjects of King George, the Sumpter family became strong American Patriots. Not only did the family men serve with distinction and note in the Revolution, but in that generation and down until recent generations the family gave their male children the first name of 'George' and 'Washington'. Additionally, if the child was named George the middle name was then Washington. Originally, this helped to make it clear that the child was named for the first American President and not the King of England!
The comments in brackets [] are from long-time Sumpter family researcher, Jane Malone-George, "pure speculation and unproved theories, mostly" her words. Jane sent this text version to me via email the last week of 2011. I've also added extra comments in parentheses () and edited the flow of the text for added readability.
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Gr(and) Father (John) Prather was married in KY (and) moved to St. Louis, where mother was born. (They) lived there several years (and) moved to Indian Creek, Wash Co., MO where father and her was married. After which he sold out the old home and moved to St. Jo(seph), MO where he built a large hotel and was living there when he died about 1850. Mother (Nancy Rosan Prather) was born in St Louis (in 1819). (I) think Gr(and) Father was married in KY, moved to St. Louis, (and) lived there quite awhile (, and then) moved to Wash Co., MO.
Grand Father Geo(rge) Wash(ington) Sumpter was married twice. By his 1st wife [Susannah Mayse] was John, Henry, Abraham. (By his) 2nd wife [Nancy Powers], (were) Alexander (Sr.), Sally, Polly, Elisabeth, Urbin, Washington, Nancy.
Colonel Buck Sumpter, son of Great Uncle John Sumpter, also fought in the Rev. War as Capt(ain) of Artillery. At one time (he) had orders to spike his cannon but disobeyed and kept 2 cannon firing and when the smoke cleared away the British was running and won the battle. The Americans had already destroyed consierable of their own property expecting to retreat.
General (Thomas "Carolina Gamecock") Sumpter that fought in the Revolution was a relative. He figured with (Brigadier General Francis "Swamp Fox") Marion in the Rev. War. (Glen's note: The lives of Thomas Sumter and Francis Marion were combined in creating the character of Benjamin Martin in the movie, "The Patriot").
Gr. Gr. [Grand] Father Sumpter, George Sumpter, was an Englishman (named) after King George. A tailor by trade. (He) fought in the Revolutionary War.
Relatives -
Before the Revolution brother of Sumpters was sent to America as carpenters by the English Government to perform a fine piece of mechanical work. [could this be George Sumpter, immigrant, the father of Henry (married to Agnes Dillon), George Sr., and John? A George Sumpter immigrated to America in 1721 - age 19 - is this the Englishman above? Did he marry Elizabeth Gross or did his son? Was Richard (married to Jean) a son of immigrant or brother? Were Immigrant George and William (father of General Thomas) brothers?]
Gr. Gr(and) Mother Agnes Dillon [married to Henry Sumpter]. (Their children,) John, Geo(rge), Wash(ington), Polly (married Chapman), Henry (married to Jane), Sally (married Adams). Henry [wife Jane] lived in East Tenn(essee) and was well to do. (They) had fine property.
John Sumpter's children, William or (Colonel) Buck, fought in the Revolution, a Captain of Artillery. John served five terms in the war.
Grand Father Sumpter, George Washington Sumpter, born in Virginia in the time of the Revolutionary War, he was carried in his mother's arms into Washington's Army to see his father. (Grand Father's children) by this first wife (Susannah Mayse, were) John, Henry, Abraham. Grand Mother, (his) second wife, Nancy Powers, was born in East Tennessee (in 1788).
Great Aunt Polly Sumpter married Robert Chapman in Tennessee. (Their) children, Agnes, Nancy, James. Great Aunt Sally Sumpter married Absalem (Absalom?) Adams in Tennessee. (She) ran away from home and was married. (Their) children (were) John, William, Daniel, James, Henry, Betsy (married John Clemens), Patsy (married Abram Wollery).
1/2 Uncles and Aunts -
John Sumpter married 1st wife, Nancy Colvin [Calvin]. (His) 2nd (wife) Nancy Hall. (Their) sons Henry and Samuel. (His) 3rd (wife) Aunt Malinda Prather.
Henry (son of Nancy and John) married a Bilyeu, they lived at Natural Damn (Dam), Arkansas. They had one son named John. Henry married down on Wabash in Indiana.
Abraham Sumpter married in Indiana. (His) wife's name was Nancy. (They) had no children. He was with Father in the Black Hawk Indian War. (He) waded a swamp while in the war, took cold and never recovered.
(Full) Uncles and Aunts -
Polly Sumpter married Valentine Neal in Washington Co., MO. (Their) children (were), George, Daniel, Nelson, Nancy (married Eades), Mary (married Duston).
Urbin Sumpter, married in Riply Co. MO. [He was married in Washington Co., MO on 18 Mar 1839 to Eliza Hargis].
George Wash(ington) Sumpter married in Ripley Co., MO. (Their) children, Rubin (Reuben), Gib. C. Wingo, 1 girl.
Nancy Sumpter married John Shaw in Ripley Co., MO. They have 2 children, Samuel and Addy. Addie married John Autry, Corsicana, MO. They all live in Berry Co, South West MO.