WHEREAS, the original survey granted to Sumter Township was approved on Nov. 5, 1819 and federal land in the Township began to be sold to individuals in the 1830s,
WHEREAS, Sumpter Township was officially formed on April 6, 1840 and named after General Thomas Sumter,
WHEREAS, the misspelling of the Township’s name, with the added “p”, was at first used by the Clerk, Reuben Merritt and has remained so to this day,
WHEREAS, the first settlers to the Sumpter area were primarily farmers,
WHEREAS, today, Sumpter Township is a place where residents and visitors alike have much to enjoy in terms of natural beauty including woodlands, wetlands, and prairies,
WHEREAS, Ira P. Beach was elected as the first Supervisor of Sumpter Township and John W. Morgan is the current Supervisor who serves with his Deputy Supervisor, Karen E. Armatis,
WHEREAS, the Township incorporated with only 228 residents and is home to 9,549 residents today.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that on this date, April 14, 2020, we, the Mayor, Council Members, and Residents of the City of Belleville, recognize and honor Sumpter Township and its fine people on the anniversary of their 180th year of establishment.
Mayor Kerreen Conley
Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Marcotte
Council Member Kelly Bates
Council Member Thomas Fielder
Council Member Kenneth Voigt
Editor’s Note: The above was introduced at the March 2 meeting of the Belleville City Council and was to be presented to Sumpter Township at its April 14 board meeting when it was to mark its 180 years. But, the township board canceled all meetings in April due to COVID-19.