Increase Sumner - Personal

Personal

Sumner was a highly respected individual, garnering admiration from the public as his overwhelming election to governor attests. The affection of the public may have been due in large part to his personal qualities which were described in memoriam by his son:

"His person was attractive and commanding. He was of elevated stature and well proportioned. His countenance was remarkable for composure and was often lighted up with a smile of peculiar sweetness. Many a young practitioner at the bar has borne testimony to the pleasure and relief he felt when he was addressing the Court in fear and trembling in catching the looks of Judge Sumner looks of encouragement and protection which never disappointed the youthful advocate. In his manners he was polite and unassuming yet dignified and manly He never forgot or compromised his dignity in any place or circle even in the moments of his greatest familiarity. His mind was naturally strong and its various powers were well balanced. He was remarkably free from every thing that had the appearance of party spirit or rancour. His candor and moderation were known to all men. He possessed an unusual degree of self command. Divesting himself of prejudice and passion he examined with deliberation and impartiality and decided with rectitude and wisdom. His cool and dispassionate temper reflects more honor on his memory inasmuch as it was less the effect of a peculiarly happy constitutional temperament than of moral discipline and culture and the benign influence of a religious principle. Humility without meanness the incontestable proof of a superior mind was a distinguishing trait in his character. No one ever heard or saw in his conversation or deportment any thing that had the appearance of pride vanity or affectation or that could be construed into an ostentatious display of his own talents virtues or services. Though raised to the highest dignity it was in the power of the citizens of the Commonwealth to bestow he was never accused or suspected of employing any unworthy arts to gain the popular favor nor of obtruding himself on the public as a candidate for places of power and trust. On the contrary such was his modesty that when he found the eyes of the community were turned upon him he appeared not a little surprised and disordered at the deep regard he drew."