“S” is for Sumter, Thomas (1734-1832). Soldier, congressman U.S. senator. Born in Virginia, Sumter moved to South Carolina in1764. From 1775 to 1778 he participated in a number of Revolutionary War engagements. In 1780 when the British burned Sumter's home, he organized an army of backcountry partisans. In the summer of 1780 “Sumter's Brigade” was the only organized opposition to the British in South Carolina. Sumter's exploits in the upper part of the state injected beleaguered South Carolina patriots with a renewed energy to resist, earning Sumter the nickname “Gamecock” for his daring and tenacious resistance. After the war he served eight terms in the General Assembly and five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thomas Sumter resigned from Congress in 1801, upon learning of his election to the U. S. Senate--where he served until his death.
S” is for Sumter, Thomas (1734-1832)
