Born ca. 1810, David Thomas is the oldest son born to Annanias and Sarah Thomas. David married ca. 1832 Alice Newsome, the daughter of Joseph Newsome and his first wife Christian Barnes. Moving from Wayne County, NC, the Newsomes were of Quaker descent. Written in the Joseph Newsome Family Bible, Christian died 5 Dec 1820. Also, from this Bible record it is known that "Alley" Newsome was born on 15 Feb 1810, and that "Alice Thomas" died on 22 Jun 1852.

Dated 9 Apr 1827, John Wooten purchased from William Holly 100 acres adjoining Richard Lee's land and Richard William's old shop field. Dated 4 Aug 1832, the 22 year-old David Thomas purchased this same land from John Wooten (11-14, Anson). The tract now adjoined "Newsom" land and Richard William's old shop field. John Wooten was Alice's uncle, as he had married Joseph Newsome's sister. On 13 Mar 1837, David Thomas purchased 100 acres (441, Anson) from his father-in-law, Joseph Newsome. Situated on the east side of Gourdvine Creek, this land adjoined David's own land and that of Irvin Lowtharp. Witnesses were William Holley and Irvin Lowtharp. From these transactions, it is apparent that David's father-in-law acquired land that once belonged to Richard Lee. After purchasing land beside his father-in-law, David Thomas bought land that belonging to his father-in-law.

As per the April 1844 Union County Pleas and Quarters Session, Jackson Simpson, David Thomas, and Henry Baucom served in committee to appoint "patrole in Burnsville District." At the January 1845 term, David Thomas tendered official Bond as Constable. Bondsmen were Jackson Simpson, Riley H. Griffin, and Irvin Lowtharp.

In the 1844 tax list for Union County, David owned 440 acres. In the 1852 tax list, he was listed as owning 660 acres. The deed books do not fully explain How David acquired all of his land, nor how it was eventually dispersed. However, and dated Januaray term 1843,William Allen filed suit against Joseph Newsome, David Thomas, and Jesse Caudle in the Union County Couyrt of Pleas and Quarters. Joseph Newsome, David Thomas, and Andrew J. Davis were summoned to appear in court pertaining to a debt of $75 owed to William Allen. Due to lack of property, a levy was placed on 600 acres of land lying on Gourdvine and adjoining that of Jacob Lampley and others.

Shortly after the 22 Jun 1852 death of Alice, David was called to testify in two separate court cases. First, on 30 Sep 1852, he testified as to the character of Gideon A. Greene. In this case that reached the Supreme Court, Leonard Greene and George J. Greene were at odds over the legacy of John Reed(owner of the famous Gold mine). When John died,his daughter Fanny Reed Crayton had recently remarried to Lemuel Aldridge before moving to Tennessee. Leonard Greene purchased fanny's interest in the estate. Shortly after, Lemuel appointed Power of Attorney to George J. Greene. The ensuing case called on many witnesses from Cabarrus and Union Counties in determining who was rightful owner of the legacy. In the other case dated October of 1852, David Thomas and son Hampton testified in behalf of the "State versus John Beasley." Also testifying were Rev. Edmond Davis, William Holly, Joseph Newsome, Isaac Carpenter and others. Held in Cabarrus County, the jury in this case eventually found John Beasley innocent of Grand Theft Larceny. Of interest, some court entries HAmpton Thomas, while others mention Hampton Newsome.

David Thomas sold 42 acres (6-192, Union) to Elbert N. Caraway on 3 Dec 1852. In response to indebtedness to E. L Davis, George W. Hales placed part of his land and belongings in a special trust (3-171, Union) that was held by David Thomas and E.L Davis. This agreement made 31 Jan 1854 and acknoledged in court on 12 Jun 1854.

Dated 5 Nov 1854, a seven page " sale of the personal estate of David Thomas, Dec'd" was recorded in Union County. Joint administrators were Rev. Edmond L. Davis and oldest son James R. Thomas. In the Jul 1855 Union County Minute Docket, guardians were appointed for the younger children of David Thomas.

What happened to the 660 acres owned by David Thomas in 1852? In the Fall Term 1856 of the Court of Equity for Union County, C. M. McCauley ordered the sale of 268 acres. Known as lot 1 of the "land upon which David Thomas lived at the time of his death", this tract was situated on the south side of Gourdvine Creek. It adjoined David Thomas's second tract and the lands of Elbert W. Caraway and Edmond Davis. On 30 Dec 1856, Edmond L. Davis purchased the land for $1,325. Though I believe son James R. Thomas received part of the estate, I have not been able to trace conveyance of the remaining estate.

David Thomas and Edmond Davis were friends and related through their marriage to sisters. Though unable to trace all of Edmond Davis's land purchases, the 1896 division of his estate included the cemetery that bears his name. Since Newsomes and Thomas's are buried in the cemetery, it is possible that David and Alice Newsome Thomas are also buried there. I would like to think that two older stones behind the graves of Annanias and Sarah Thomas mark their resting-place.

One last record pertaining to Alice Thomas is dated 16 May 1877. The final settlement of the estate of Isaac Newsom lists and pays $7.45 each to the heirs of Alice Newsom Thomas. Isaac, who never married, was Alice's brother.

The children of David and Alice Newsome Thomas are:

A. James Robert Thomas b. Jun 1832, married on 25 Jun 1853 Mary Jane Curlee. When his father died in 1854, the Reverend Edmond L. Davis and James Thomas were listed as Administrators. In the 1855 July term in Union County, James R. Thomas was appointed guardian of his younger brother Edmond. James Austin and the Rev. Edmond L. Davis paid guardian bond. James R. Thomas, a farmer from Union County, enlisted in Iredell County on 21 Aug 1862 at Statesville NC. He served in CSA Co. F, 48th Reg. NC through October 1864. Returning from the war, he farmed and raised a family on what is now Ansonville Road near Hamilton's Crossroads. The children of James and Mary are (A) Cornelius Whitfield Thomas b. 2 Jun 1852 d. 1925 bur. Hamilton's Crossroads Bapt, married Sophronia Alice Pierce b. 6 Jun 1865 d. 29 Apr 1928, daughter of Jack and Eliza Pierce; (B) Milton Stanhope Thomas b. Feb 1856, married on 7 Sep 1879 Louisa Link b. 1860, daughter of Joseph H. and Louisa Link; (C) Clement M. Thomas b. 7 Nov 1870 d. 7 Sep 1933 bur Hamilton's Crossroads Bapt; (D) Mary E. Thomas b.1865, married on 11 May 1898 Marshall E. Harwood, son of Frank and Laura Harwood; (E) Bedie b. 8 Oct 1864 d. 8 Feb 1953 bur Hamilton's Crossroads Bapt; and (F) John H. Thomas b. Mar 1873 d. 1941, married Julia Lulu Moore b. 1878 d. 1947, dau of B. and Mary J. Moore.

B. Sarah Ann Thomas b. 26 Apr 1833 d. 22 May 1924 bur. Mt. Moriah Methodist Ch., Union County, married Solomon Rasberry Brewer b. Feb 1819. He is the son of Kizzie Brewer. Though beyond fighting age, Solomon enlisted in the CSA Senior Reserves. Solomon and Sarah owned a farm along the branch at the end of what is now Dusty Road in Union County. Their children are (A) John W. Brewer b. 1850 d. 1878, married Oct 1872 Mary Elizabeth Griffin; (B) George Washington Brewer b. 1852 d. 1937, married Feb 1875 to Margaret Cornelia Parker; (C) Jackson L. Brewer b. 1855 d. 1940, married Mar 1883 Lucindy Moore; (D) Mary Elizabeth Brewer b. 16 Apr 1857 d. 8 Feb 1921 d.1921 bur Mount Moriah Meth, married Jun 1879 Timothy C. Braswell b. 18 Aug 1854 d. 8 Oct 1917; (E) Martha Jane Brewer b. 186 0 d. 1848, married Nov 1883 Pinkney Honeycutt; (F) James Rasberry Brewer b. 1865 d. 1944, married Mar 1896 Frances Dry b. 3 May 1874 d, 12 Nov 1947; (G) Allie Martelia Brewer b. 1868 d. 1948, married May 1906 William A. Polk; (H) Kizzie Lougenia Brewer b. 1872 d. 1959, married Aug 1900 Ellison Lee Parker; and (I) Sarah Catherine Brewer b. 1874 d. 1943, married Charlie Morgan.

C. John Marshall Thomas b. 5 Aug 1834 d. 18 Apr 1919 bur. Monroe Cem., married on 6 Dec 1860 Sarah Elizabeth Redfern, b. 26 Sep 1837. She is the daughter of William Albert and Elvia A. Hubbard Redfern. Before the Civil War, John was engaged in business with T. D.Winchester and D. Hayden. On 16 Feb 1862, he enlisted in CSA Co. T, 48th Reg. NC. Captured at Sharpesburg, VA, he was released and later wounded at Fredricksburg. Promoted to rank of Sargent, John was wounded again at Bristoe Station, VA and later captured at Salisbury, NC. He was sent to Nashville, Louisville, and finally to Camp Chase, Ohio before being released on 4 May 1865. Returning to Union County, John Marshall continued in business as a Grocer and became postmaster at Monroe. Dated 20 Apr 1917, an obituary appeared on the front page of The Monroe Journal. Amidst articles pertaining to the advances of WWI, John M. Thomas was eulogized as "probably the last of the before the war Monroe merchants, postmaster here during Cleveland's Administration, ex-Confederate soldier, and well known citizen". The children of John M. and Sarah E. Thomas are (A) Mary Alice Thomas b. 2 Dec 1861, married Hezekiah Bole Billingsley b. 28 Jan 185 d. 19 Mar 1917; (B) Louise Frances Thomas b. 14 May 1866 d. 24 Oct 1932, married Henry Clarence Boylin b. 14 Mar 1861 d. 26 Oct 1920; (C) David Franklin Thomas b. 9 Oct 1867 d. 27 Jul 1906, married Augusta Osborne b. 6 Jun 1869 d. 21 Feb 1903; (D) Fitzgerald Thomas b. 21 Apr 1871, married 26 Dec 1893 Joseph Tillman Saunders b. 16 Sep 1863; (E) Martha Thomas b. 9 Aug 1873 d. 8 Aug 1874; (F) Ella Thomas b. 1 Jul 1875, married 10 Sep 1916 Isadore Franklin Buckhants b. 1873; (G) Inez Thomas b. 21 Jun 1877 d. 26 Aug 1878; and (H) John Fredrick Thomas b. 31 Jan 1880 d. 11 Nov 1914, married 18 Jan 1905 Frances Clair Steinback b. 27 Jul 1884.

D. William Green Thomas b. 15 Feb 1836 d. 5 Jun 1903 bur. Arlington Bapt. Ch. in Mecklenburg, County. William married on 15 Sep 1858 Lydia Adeline Dry. Her parents are Charles and Adeline Dry of Stanly County. On 21 Aug 1862, William G. Thomas enlisted in CSA Co. F, 48th Reg. NC. Listed as a resident of Union County, he volunteered in Iredell County on the same day as his older brother James R. Thomas. William G. Thomas was listed as 35 years old at the time of enlistment. An error, the entry should have indicated William G. Thomas was born in 1835. Wounded and captured at Hatcher's Run on 9 Feb 1865, William was confined at Point Lookout, MD until being released on 20 Jun 1865. Following the war, William received a land grant on 15 Apr 1876 for 25 acres on Suscoes's Branch in Union County. The land adjoined his own as well as that of Drury Morgan, Milton Austin, and C. B. Curlee. Chainbearers were Thomas Swink and James M. Williams. At some point there after, William and wife Lydia moved just over the Union County Line to the Arlington section of Mecklenburg County. In 1901, W.G. Thomas applied for a Soldier's Pension and received ½ Disability. The children of William and Lydia Dry Thomas are (A) Ann Thomas b. 1860, married George Braswell. (B) Sarah Ellen Thomas b. 13 Aug 1860 d. 30 Apr 1933 d. 23 Mar 1934 bur Mount Moriah Methodist, married on 27 Nov 1878 Thomas Swink b. 1842 d. 6 Aug 1925, son of Jonathan and Eliza Swink. (C) William Daniel Thomas b. 1865, married on 14 Nov 1884 Sarah Ann Austin b. 1864, daughter of Jacob and Laura Austin. (D) Saphronia Alice Thomas b. 1867, married 16 Oct 1884 in Stanly County to Eli F. Cagle, son of George and Manisa Honeycutt Cagle. (E) Lydia Almetta (Mimmow) Thomas b. 1869, married 30 Jan 1887 James Austin. (F) John W. Thomas b. 1871, married first Mary J. Ward and second on 27 Jul 1905 Annie Heafner, dau of Joshua and Mary. (G)Julia C. Thomas, married Monroe Groves; (H) Edmond G. Thomas b. Jul 1873, married Margaret Addie Rea b. 18 Jun 1867 d. 11 Jan 1948, dau of James and Leanda McEwen Rea. (J) James A. Thomas b. Aug 1875, married 24 Feb 1903 Lula Lee of Paw Tucket in Mecklenburg County. (K) Charlie Benton Thomas b. 17 Apr 1885 d. 25 Aug 1963, married first 15 Jul 1905 Jennie Belle Clontz, dau of John and Maggie. Jennie died 15 Jan 1926 and is buried at Arlington Baptist Church. Charlie Benton Thomas married second 22 Jun 1927 Mrs. Cornelia (Griffin) Whitley. (L) Jane Thomas, married Tommy Harrington.

E. Elizabeth Thomas b. ca. 1837, d. ca. 1858, married Elijah Griffin. Elijah and Elizabeth had one son named David W. Griffin b. 3 Oct 1859 d. 4 Apr 1927 bur, Philadelphia Bapt. in Stanly County. In the 1860 Union County Census, David W. Griffin, age 3, lived at the home of his Aunt Jane and Uncle Sylvester Williams. Dated 15 Dec 1881, David married Martha Ellen Dry, b. 3 May 1865 d. 19 May 1926. The marriage License listed both of David's parents as deceased. As also proven in the estate records of Sarah E. Thomas, who was Elizabeth's grandmother, David W. Griffin was listed as the sole heir of Elizabeth Griffin, dec'd.

F. Hampton H. Thomas b. 1839 d.13 Feb 1866. After his father's death, Hampton became the ward of Edmond L. Davis at the July Minute Docket in 1855. When Hampton came of legal age, Edmond Davis made a court documented return (fig. ?) to the "Estate of Hampton Thomas & Others". Since he was the oldest child warded to E.L. Davis, the estate return was listed under Hampton's name. E. L. Davis disclosed returns to David M., George, Puah, and Winney A. Thomas. Each child received $237.50. In the 1860 Union County Census H. H. Thomas is listed twice. He is twenty- one years old and a mechanic living at the house of John Warwick. John is a shoemaker and emigrant from Pennsylvania. H. H. Thomas is also listed as a mechanic living at the house of James Richard. James is an Innkeeper, born in Cromwell Co., England. Dated 17 Aug 1860, Hampton purchased a one-acre lot near Monroe (508,Union) from J. D. Stewart. Hampton H. Thomas enlisted and served as Sergeant in CSA Co. B, 26 Reg. NC. On 3 Jul 1863, he was captured after being wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. Following the amputation of his right leg, Hampton was transferred to David's Island, N.Y., to Fort Wood at Bledsoe's Island, and then on Christmas Eve of 1863, to the Point Lookout Prison in Maryland. Exchanged at City Point, Va., he stayed there until 1865. It is believed that Hampton returned home, where he shortly died from sickness. In the Joseph Newsome Family Bible, "Hampton Thomas- Deceased the 13th February 1866, the disease which taken him into Grate eternity was---?--- while forced in the rebealion."

G. Jane Ellen Thomas b. In July 1855, Jane E. Thomas became the ward of her Uncle Jacob Thomas. In April 1858, Jacob Thomas made a court recorded return in the amount of $140.00. Jane E. Thomas married on 11 Jul 1858 Sylvester Williams. He enlisted in CSA Co. G, 48th Reg, NC. On 9 Jun 1863 Sylvester died of disease at Goldsboro, NC. Children of Jane E. and Sylvester Williams are (A) John M. Williams b. 1859; (B) Sarah E. Williams b.1862, married 20 Feb 1876 to William E. Helms, son of H. J. and Ashley Helms; and (C) Lethe Williams.

H. Puah Ellen Thomas b. 7 Jun 1844, d. 23 Feb 1913, bur Philadelphia Bapt in Stanly County. She married on 6 Nov 1865 Joshua Brooks b. 2 Mar1843 d. 29 Apr 1913. The house where they lived still stands on what is now Buster Road in Stanly County. Children are (A) Menora Brooks, married Adam Morgan; (B) Ida Brooks, married Robert Hill; (C) Lessie Brooks, married Killis Almond; (D) Martha Colon Brooks, married Luther Efird; (E) Carrie Brooks, married Martin James; (F) Maude Brooks, married Adam Hill; (G) John Brooks, married Arrie Greene, (H) Willie Brooks, unmarried; and (I) Edmond Wyatt Brooks, married Flora Alice Green.

I. Winney A. Thomas b. 1845 d. 1860. After her father's death, Winney was appointed ward of her uncle Annanias, Jr. Prior to the 1858 death of Annanias, Jr., she was apparently appointed ward of the Reverend E. L. Davis. The death of Winney A. Thomas was listed in the 1860 Union County Mortality Census. At 15 years of age and a spinster, she died of Typhoid fever after being sick for 22 days.

J. Edward W. Thomas b. 10 Jan 1847 d. 26 Nov 1936 bur Weddington. Following his father's death, Edward was appointed ward of older brother James R. Thomas. At some point, he became the ward of his Uncle William Newsom. In the 1860 Union County Census, Edmond W. Thomas was listed as 14 years old and living at the house of William Newsom. Dated 10 Aug 1869, in the loose estate records, the widow of William Newsom deceased made a $544 dollar return to E. W. Thomas. Edward Wilson Thomas married first on 31 Dec 1867 Susan Caroline Phillips, b. 6 Nov 1850 d. 20 Apr 1887, bur Phillips Cem. She was the daughter of Enoch and Mary Phillips. The children of Edmond and Susan Phillips Thomas are (A) Conley Thomas died in Rockingham, married Mittie???; (B) Joe E. Thomas b. Aug 1872 d. Jun 1959, married on 18 Jan 1899 Emma Ross b. 1882, daughter of S. and D. A. Ross; (C) Genolia Ann Thomas, married on 23 Jan 1890 Dr. George Benton Nance b. 27 May 1860 d. 8 Aug 1925, son of James D. and Adeline Baucom Nance; (D) Mary Elizabeth Thomas b. 10 Dec 1868 d. 19 Jan 1962, married on 6 Nov 1877 George W. Simpson b. 1851, son of Jackson and Elizabeth Simpson ; (E) Essie Thomas b. 27 Jul 1885 d. 16 May 1962, married Carl Bailey; and (F) John Wilson Thomas b. 15 Oct 1875 d. 18 Sep 1955 bur Weddington Meth, married 5 Jan 1905 Lillian Maude Hasty, daughter of J. W. and Flora. After Susan died in 1885, Edmond W. Thomas married Lillie A. Traywick b. 5 Oct 1867 d. 18 Sep 1959. She is the daughter of Dr. B. S. and M.H. Traywick. Their children are: (A) Walter Bryant Thomas b. 17 Oct 1892 d. 19 Sep 1979, married Josie Ella Hemby; (B) Eloise W. Thomas b. 9 Nov 1894 d. 13 Dec 1985, married 21 Nov 1913 E. C. Stephenson 21 Nov 1913..listed as M. E. Thomas in marriage cert; and (C) David E. Thomas b. 21 Apr 1897 d. 21 Jun 1957 bur Weddington Meth (single).

K. David M. Thomas b. 1848 d. before 1889, married on 15 Jan 1871 Mary Margaret Austin. She is the daughter of Bryant Deberry (B.D.) and Elizabeth Hamilton Austin. When B. D. Austin died in 1885, David and wife Mary were listed in the estate records. Dated 22 Jan 1889, in the petition for final settlement, the listing of heirs records------ -- "Mary Margaret Thomas…who is now a widow". Their children are (A) Edward W. Thomas b. maybe Dec 1870, married Ida b. Jun 1875; (B) Mary Thomas b. 1873; (C) David Milton Thomas b. 31 Aug 1875 d. 10 Apr 1947 bur Sharon Memorial in Charlotte, married on 24 Jan 1897 Minnie A. Simpson b. Apr 1877; (D) Lillie E. Thomas b. 1877 d. 1952, married Coram S. Lawrence; (E) John Lexy Thomas b. 2 Nov 1878 d. 14 Apr 1952, married on 5 Apr 1896 Lucy Leola Perry b. Nov 1888; (F) Bertha Thomas b. 1881 d. 17 Jan 1979, married John Clanton. Following the death of David, Mary Margaret married Julian Baker.

L. George Washington Thomas b. 9 Feb 1852 d. 28 Dec 1922, married Julia A. Pless. She is the daughter of Solomon and Elizabeth Caroline Furr Pless. George's mother died less than five month's after his birth. Following the death of his father in 1854, George was appointed ward of the Reverend E. L. Davis. He would live in several different households, until moving to Stanly County where he lived at the house of John Brooks, Sr. George's older sister Puah married Joshua Brooks. He is the son of John Brooks, Sr. George Thomas met and married the oldest daughter of Solomon Pless. Raising a family on the old Peter Pless land, the children of George and Julia are: (A) John E. Thomas b. 20 Feb 1872 d. 20 Mar 1895, died when his gun misfired in a hunting accident; (B) Jane Alice Thomas b. 19 Sep 1877 d. 26 Nov 1953 bur. Love's Chapel, married Henry J. Yow; (C) David Luther Thomas b. 28 Mar 1878 d. 25 Jun 1963 bur. Love's Chapel, married 8 Apr 1900 Emma Jane Morgan, dau of David S. and Martha; (D)Minnie Thomas b. Jan 1884, married Reverend Tildon Sasser; (E) Henry Washington Thomas b. 24 Jan 1884 d. 8 Nov 1948, married first 22 Mar 1914 Ara Bell Huneycutt b. 7 Jan 1895 d. 3 Apr 1931, dau of Charlie and Maggie, and after her death Henry married Elsie Wilma Dry b. 14 Apr 1903 d. Aug 1983; (F) Ellen Thomas b. married Albert Grady; (G) George Sylvester Thomas 1888, married 5 Mar 1911 Lessie Sasser, dau of Henry and Frances; and (H) Daniel Arthur Thomas b. 28 Feb 1890 d. 18 Apr 1966 bur. Love's Chapel, married 23 Aug 1914 Eva Lucinda Burris b. 26 Jul 1897 d. 13 Jan 1994, dau of Geo. and Magdeline.

Documents and Other Information Related to David Thomas

Appointment of Guardians for the Children of David Thomas

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