My Genealogy Hound

Hon. John J. Sumpter, attorney, Hot Springs, Ark. Mr. Sumpter is one of those men, too few in number, who fully recognize the truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that, of all men, the reading and thoughts of a lawyer should be most extended. Mr. Sumpter was born in Warrenton, Warren County, Mo., on July 7, 1842, and is the son of James and Elizabeth Sumpter, the former of whom died in 1861, but the latter is still living. John J. Sumpter received his education in the common schools, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1878, since which time he has successfully practiced his profession. He entered the Confederate army in 1861, Third Arkansas Cavalry, as a private, was promoted to lieutenant in 1862, and was subsequently made captain, serving in that capacity until the close of the war. He was in nearly all the engagements throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Georgia, South and North Carolina, under Gens. Forrest and Wheeler, and was a brave and fearless officer. He was married to Miss Nannie E. Cayce, a native of Tennessee, November 8, 1866, and the fruits of this union were six children, three of whom are now living: John J., Jr. (aged twenty years), Orland H. (aged eighteen years) and Mary L. (aged fifteen years.) Mr. Sumpter is one of the prominent men of the State, and has held many official positions. He was sheriff two terms, represented his county in the legislature three times, and is at present State senator. He was a member of the National Democratic Committee from Arkansas eight years. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Past D. G. C. of the G. C. Knights Templar, a Thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, and was Grand Master of the State in 1883 and 1884, Grand High Priest in 1882 and 1883, and represented the State at the meeting of the General Grand Chapter of the United States at Denver, in 1883. He is also a member of the K. of P., Royal Arcanum, I. O. O. F. and other secret orders. He and his wife and children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is superintendent of the Sunday-school and president of the board of stewards, president of the board of trustees and class leader. He is a member of the school board; is also a director in two of the leading building associations of the city. He has large interests in Hot Springs, and is the owner and proprietor of the Sumpter House, one of the finest in the city, and one that will accommodate 100 guests. He is also doing a large real-estate, loan and insurance business.