Family and Legacy
Sumner married on 30 September 1779 to Elizabeth Hyslop, daughter of William Hyslop. Upon his father-in-law's death, Sumner inherited a considerable property which allowed him to maintain a dignified lifestyle during his public service. The couple had three children; his son William H. Sumner is well known for his efforts to develop what is now East Boston and for whom the Sumner Tunnel is named.
Sumner was said to be a talented and practical farmer, an excellent horseman, and great admirer of cattle. He was fond of agriculture and personally grafted an entire orchard of fruit trees on his farm, and worked diligently to pass these skills on to his son.
He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and President of the Board of Trustees of the Roxbury Latin School.
Sumner was a Christian, having made a public profession of faith around the time he entered the practice of law, and became a member of the Congregational Church in Roxbury under Rev Dr. Porter. After Sumner's death Rev Porter addressed Sumner's approach to faith by relating a conversation the two had on Sumner's death bed;
- "A dying bed," said he (Sumner), "is not the place for one dying to begin to attend to his religion and prepare for another world. I have not been unmindful of these concerns. I have thought much of them The more I have reflected on the subject of religion the more has my mind been settled and confirmed in its reality and importance. I am sensible that many infirmities and errors have attended me but I trust I have the testimony of my conscience to the general rectitude of my views and conduct in life."
Sumner, Maine, incorporated while he was governor in 1798, was named in his honor.
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