BIO: John B. Sumner, Wyoming Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, PA & NY

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB & JO

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Chaffee, Amasa Franklin. History of the Wyoming 
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
New York: Eaton & Mains, 1904, pages 407-408.
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  Sumner, John B., was born on March 25, 1838, at Wyalusing, Pa. At 
sixteen years of age he entered Wyoming Seminary, where he remained 
three years, during which time he was converted and joined the Kingston 
Church. During the last year at the seminary he taught some of the 
classes, also vocal music. He taught common school four winters, and 
singing school about fifteen years. For some time he was a farmer and 
for several years was a merchant in Wyalusing. In 1869 he retired from 
mercantile life and joined the Conference. He is one of the Wyoming 
Conference Trio, and has composed a number of musical pieces which have 
become almost world-wide, among the "Child of a King," and "Tangle-Foot 
Alley,"
  On December 25, 1864, he married Miss Lydia A. Gardner, of Glenburn, 
Pa. Several daughters have been born to them, one of whom became the 
wife of Rev. A. D. Decker.
  His pastoral record is as follows: 1869, Wyalusing; 1870-72, 
Nicholson; 1873-75, Wyalusing; 1876-78, Binghamton, High Street; 1879-
81, Binghamton, Main Street; 1882-83, Milford; 1884-86, Susquehanna; 
1887-92, Presiding Elder of Honesdale District; 1893-94, Pittston; 
1895-96, Nanticoke; 1897-98, Waverly, Pa.; 1899-02, Oak Street, 
Binghamton; 1903, Brooklyn.