Thomas Sumter

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Tomas Sumter (August 14, 1734 – June 1, 1832) was a hero of the American Revolution and went on to become a longtime member of the Congress of the United States.

Statue of Thomas Sumter on the courthouse lawn, Sumter, South Carolina
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Statue of Thomas Sumter on the courthouse lawn, Sumter, South Carolina

Sumter was born in Virginia, came to South Carolina at age 30, and settled in Stateburg in the Camden district. He married the widow Mary Jameson in 1767, and together they opened several small businesses and became successful plantation owners. Due to his wealth and the respect in the community, he was able to form a local militia group.

In February 1776, he was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Regiment of Riflemen. He participated in several battles in the early months of the war, including the campaign to prevent an invasion of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia. He died June 1, 1832 at South Mount.

He acquired the nickname, "The Gamecock" during the Battle of Kings Mountain.

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