1875

May 30, Born near Fayetteville, Lincoln County, Tennessee

1893/94

Moved to Garland, Dallas County, Texas

1897

Studied law; admitted to the bar; commenced practice in Dallas

1900-1902

Elected prosecuting attorney of Dallas County

1904-1906

Elected second term as prosecuting attorney of Dallas County

1906, 1907

President of district and county attorney’s association of Texas

1912

Elected to new at-large seat in the U.S. House

1914

Elected representative from Texas Fifth Congressional District

1913-1947

Served as U.S. Representative, U.S. 5^th Congressional District of Texas

1919

Appointed to House Committee on the Judiciary

1932-1946

Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary

1934

Drafted constitution for Philippine Islands

1937

Opposed President Franklin Roosevelt’s court-packing plan

1947

Retired from Congress

1948-1962

Director of Research in Law and Government of the Southwestern Legal Foundation. Lived at Lawyers’ Inn on SMU campus Director of Research in Law and Government of the Southwestern Legal Foundation. Lived at Lawyers’ Inn on SMU campus

1949

Founded Hatton W. Sumners Foundation. Awards loans, scholarships, and funding for edcucational endeavors

1959

Published The Private Citizen and His Democracy

1962

April 19, Died in Dallas, Texas. Interment in Knights of Pythias Cemetery, Garland, Texas