Sumner Alexander Furniss

Sumner Alexander Furniss (January 30, 1874 – January 18, 1953) was an American prominent Black physician, founding member and president of the Indianapolis Young Men's Colored Association, councilman, and freemason.

Early life Sumner Alexander Furniss was born on January 30, 1874, the younger son to William H. Furniss and Mary Elizabeth J. Williams. His family moved from Jackson, Mississippi to Indianapolis when he was young and he attended the local schools. Summer attended Lincoln University (Missouri), and then Medical College of Indiana, graduating in 1894 as the only African American in his class. He opened a general practice with his brother, Henry Watson Furniss, and in 1909, he founded the first Black hospital, Lincoln Hospital, in Indianapolis. In 1898, he was elected as Commander-in-Chief of Constantine Consistory, No. 14.

Legacy He died on January 18, 1953, in Indianapolis.

A Prince Hall lodge is named after him as well as a Sickle Cell Research Center.