Biographical Sketches of the Generals of the Continental Army of the Revolution

Chapter 74: JETHRO SUMNER.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

The work compiles concise biographical sketches of the senior officers who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, arranged with lists of major and brigadier generals and summaries of each officer's commissions, service, and notable engagements. It pairs these entries with an index of dates and a collection of portraits assembled for display, and includes a preface explaining the provenance of the engravings and the editorial methods and sources consulted. Intended as a compact reference for visitors and readers, the volume emphasizes factual data—appointments, service conclusions, and commemoration—while providing bibliographic notes and acknowledgments of contributors.

JETHRO SUMNER.

Jethro Sumner, born in Virginia about 1730, was of English parentage. Removing to North Carolina while still a youth, he took an active part in the measures which preceded the Revolution, and believed the struggle to be unavoidable. Having held the office of paymaster to the Provincial troops, and also the command at Fort Cumberland, he was appointed in 1776, by the Provincial Congress, colonel in the Third North Carolina Regiment, and served under Washington at the North. On the 9th of January, 1779, he was commissioned brigadier-general, and ordered to join Gates at the South. He took part in the battle of Camden, and served under Greene at the battle of Eutaw Springs on the 8th of September, 1781, where he led a bayonet-charge. He served to the close of the war, rendering much assistance in keeping the Tories in North Carolina in check during the last years of the struggle, and died in Warren County, North Carolina, about 1790.