Sumner Cummings Libby, Scarborough, 1863

Contributed by Scarborough Historical Society & Museum

Sumner Cummings Libby, 1863

Sumner Cummings Libby, on left, was born on November 18, 1844. Conflicting records show he was born in either Scarborough or Cape Elizabeth. His parents were Levi and Sarah Ann Libby. The 1860 US Census shows his family was living in Cape Elizabeth.

Sumner Libby enlisted in the 12th Maine Infantry, Company C, on November 15, 1861, three days shy of his 17th birthday. He served with his regiment during the Civil War in Louisiana and Virginia.

Libby was captured during one of the battles in Virginia and sent to Salisbury Prison in Rowan, North Carolina. Sumner died there on December 30, 1864. His body was shipped home to his parents and he was buried at Browns Hill Cemetery in South Portland.