[1] His name commemorates his father's mentor and friend, Samuel Appleton Storrow (1787–1837), who served as a Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army from 1816 to 1821.

During the war, he received brevets (honorary promotions) to 1st lieutenant, captain, and major for "gallant and meritorious service".

He received a brevet to lieutenant colonel on February 27, 1890, for "gallant service in action against Indians at Summit Springs, Colorado on 11 July 1869.

[1] When the Spanish–American War broke out in May 1898, Sumner was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and placed in command of the 1st Brigade, Cavalry Division, V Corps.

[1] After the war with Spain ended, Sumner served as a military attaché to American Embassy in London.

He was a companion of the District of Columbia Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.