Pyotr Pankratevich Sumarokov, born on June 29, 1693, and died on December 16, 1766, was a colonel, actual privy councilor, and chief judge of the confiscation office under Elizabeth Petrovna. He is also known as the father of the famous Russian poet, writer, and playwright of the 18th century, Alexander Petrovich Sumarokov.

Sumarokov was born into the family of a clerk with a key, Pankratiy Bogdanovich, and was a godson of Emperor Peter I. In 1711, he began his service as a soldier in the Narva Infantry Regiment, and then was transferred to the Lutsk Dragoon Regiment, where he rose to the rank of corporal and non-commissioned officer. In 1712, he was promoted to ensign and then to lieutenant in the Vologda Dragoon Regiment.

In 1722 and 1724, Sumarokov served as a page to Catherine Alexeyevna, and in 1726 he became a captain in the Cavalry Guard Corps. In 1728, he retired due to an arm injury, having attained the rank of major. In 1732, he returned to service, first as a major in the Kargopol Dragoon Regiment, then as a lieutenant colonel in the Landmilitia Old Oskol Regiment, and in 1735 he became a colonel.

Sumarokov participated in several battles, including the Pelkin Battle and actions near Borgo and other places. In 1737, he requested dismissal due to health issues, as he suffered from hypochondria and rapid heartbeat. Doctors confirmed his incapacity for military service, and on May 23, 1737, he was dismissed, receiving the rank of state councilor.

In the same year, Sumarokov was appointed to the Moscow confiscation office. In 1742, he became an actual state councilor and vice-president of the College of Economy, and in 1760 he received the rank of privy councilor. On June 17, 1762, at the request of Peter III, he was dismissed from the position of chief judge of the confiscation office, receiving the rank of actual privy councilor.

Sumarokov died on December 16, 1766, in Moscow and was buried in the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. His grave bears an inscription noting his merits and dates of life. Pyotr Pankratevich was married to Praskovia Ivanovna Priklonskaya and had three sons: Vasily, Alexander, and Ivan, as well as six daughters.