Born in
Vevay, Indiana, his parents were John Dumont, who was a member of the
Indiana Legislature in 1822–23, and was afterward a candidate for the office of
Governor, against
David Wallace, and
Julia Louisa Dumont, educator and writer. Dumont pursued classical studies at
Hanover College and studied law. He was
admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Vevay. He served as a member of the
Indiana House of Representatives in 1838. He served as the treasurer of Vevay from 1839 to 1845. He then signed up for military service during the
Mexican–American War, serving as a
lieutenant colonel of the
4th Indiana Infantry Regiment. Upon his return to the Hoosier State, Dumont resumed his law practice. He served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives in 1850 and 1853. ==Civil War==