The children of David and first wife are:

a. James W. Humphrey b. 1836 d. 20 Mar 1864, married 16 Jan 1853 Serrilda A. Griffin
b. John Humphrey b. 1838, d. Mar 20 1864 CSA Co. F 21st Reg GA.
c. David Crokett Humphrey b. 1840 d. 10 Jul 1862 Lynchburg VA CSA Co. K, 21st Reg. GA
d. Andrew J. Humphrey b. 1841, CSA Co. K, 21st Reg. GA captured after the battle at Gettysburg
e. Henry Clay Humphrey b. 18 Jan 1845 d. 9 Jan 1884, married Sarah Margaret Hogg.

The children of David and Martha Thomas are:

a. Jonathan Edward Humphrey b. 1854.
b. Mary Humphrey b. 1860.
c.William Humphrey b. Jul 1863, married Mellisa Simms.

Ezekiel Thomas served in the civil war. In 1874, neighbor John Cavin Sr. filed a Southern Loyalist Claim for sufferages. Neighbor John Cavin applied for a Southern Loyalists Claim in 1874. These claims were made by people who did not support the confederate cause and yet were someway wronged by the Union forces. Asked if he had ever been abused or threatened by the successionists or confederate soldiers, John testified:

I was threatened by some & _______ Clark was the head man of them. I don't know his given name. Zekiel Thomas was in it. He kept them from it. He was a particular friend of mine.

Dated 28 Oct 1890, E. and A. D. Thomas sold part of their land to the Cedar Bluff Land Mining and MFG Co. The deed specified the exclusion of "2 acres where my house, yard, and garden now is."

Dated 31 May 1907, Ezekiel Thomas filed gift deeds (R-305, Cherokee AL) to daughters Georgia F. and Elizabeth A. Thomas and to granddaughter Margie C. Cavin. Suffering from heart trouble and Paralysis, Ezekiel Thomas applied for a Civil War pension on 5 Jun 1907. At age 84 and while living in Jamestown AL, Ezekiel Thomas claimed he served as Corporal in CSA Co. B., Davenport's Battalion during the Civil War. Due to a mistake, the roster and record of this small unit was never entered into the combined CSA military records.

The children of Ezekiel and Arenia D. Thomas are:

a. Mary Jane Thomas b. 1843
b. William A. Thomas b. 1845, and as known from a letter, died in the civil war at Murphreesboro TN before being able to marry Amanda Daniels, his intended. Amanda eventually married Thomas Richardson, brother of William Henry Richardson and brother-in-law to William A. Thomas's aunt Mary Thomas Richardson. Amanda and Thomas Richardson moved to Texas in the 1880's.
c. Sarah Cate Thomas b. 12 Jan 1848 and married John M. Cavin after the 1870 census. Cate Thomas Cavin died 8 Jan 1872 and is bur. at a unnamed family cemetery on the north side of Highway 15 above Jamestown AL. buried nearby is a one of Sarah Cate's children who did not live to maturity. There are quite a few unmarked graves lying beneath the dense brush and briars surrounding the abandoned graveyard. Sarah Cate and John Cavin had one daughter named Margie Cavin. After the death of Sarah Cate, John M. Cavin married Susan Gilreath. John and Susan Cavin are buried at his home place which is now in the woods further up and on the north side of Highway 15 in Chesterfield AL. John was born 28 Aug 1838 and died 25 Jul 1900. Being raised by Cates parents, Margie Cavin is buried at Beria Church of Christ. Margie never married.
d. Elizabeth (Betty) A. Thomas (single)b.20 Nov 1849 d. 10 Feb 1919 bur. Berea Church, Cherokee Co. AL. Betty lived with her parents and helped raise Margie Cavin, the daughter of her deceased sister.
e. John N. Thomas b. 1854
f. James E. Thomas b. 30 Jan 1854 d. 30 Jan 1919 bur. Berea, married Martha Melvina b. 14 Mar 1862 d. 28 Dec 1960.
g. Harvey E. Thomas b. Jun 1856, married Nora C. b. Mar 1856.
h. Abigail Thomas b. 1858.
i. Louisa (Loula) E. Thomas b. 27 Apr 1861 d. 9 Nov 1890 bur Berea.
j. Georgia Forest Thomas (single) b. 1862 d. 16 Feb 1951 bur Berea.
k. Flora (Zoe) Thomas b. 10 Dec 1863 d. 6 May 1890.
l. Arthur E. Thomas b. 6 Aug 1881 d. 22 Jan 1927 bur. Smith Cem., Jamestown, Cherokee Co. AL. Arthur married Ella Mae Burgess. Born 23 Jul 1881, she is the daughter of Franklin and Sarah J. Moore Burgess. Ella died 18 Mar 1981. Arthur and Ella had one daughter Sarah Ethel Thomas. Born 25 Nov 1916 and died 9 Apr 1981, Sarah never married. She died less than one month after the death of her mother.

We believe Lewis Griffin died of illness while serving in the civil war. This claim cannot be clearly made as his record is confused by that of another Lewis Griffin who was probably a nephew. This Lewis Griffin is listed in the combined civil war records as enlisting on 29 Apr 1862 at nearby Cedar Bluff AL. He served in Co. H, 48th Reg. AL Infantry. This Lewis appears in the 1870 Cherokee County Census with wife Jane and Living in the community of Leesburg. The listing of their ages makes it impossible for this Lewis to be the one who married Louiza Thomas. Jane Griffin applied for widow's pension in which she states her husband Lewis Griffin died on 29 Jun 1871. She marked also marked through parts of the form signifying her husband died after war's end. Living in Leesburg, Jane says that her husband served in Co. H, 48th Reg. AL Infantry. This Jane Griffin further testifies on behalf of a southern loyalist claim filed by her two single sisters. Jane Griffin clearly indicates that her maiden name was Helms. This Lewis and Jane Griffin are buried at Yellow Creek Baptist Church near Leesburg. There are members of the Helms family buried nearby.

Living in Cherokee Co., Jeremiah Blackburn applied for a Southern Loyalists Claim. He testified:

One of the men I had a differently with was Lor____ ______ a bitter secession and Lewis Griffin & another was Mathew Bryant -all about the war and volunteering

An Eliza Griffin living in Broomtown applied for a widow's pension in 1887. She states her husband Lewis Griffin served in Co. G of the 19th Regiment. On one of the forms, the unit is marked through and someone signified that Lewis served in Co. H of the 48th Reg. On both records, the form is marked to show that this Lewis died during wartime. The record reads as follows:

.....that he came to his death from wounds received or disease contracted in the service of the Confederate States, and that his death occurred during the late waror within one year thereafter....

Of interest, Lewis's father, Willie Griffin applied for a Southern Loyalists Claim in 1871. At aged 82 and living in Blue Pond near Leesburg, Willie claimed that General Sherman's men took most of his supplies when they were encamped at Gaylesville in October of 1864.

Lewis died prior to 1870. Louiza Griffin and family have not been located in the 1870 census. In 1880, Elizor is listed as 57 years old with 20 year-old son William L. Griffin. Living next door is the family of daughter and widower Mary Griffin Teague. Part of the family moved to Texas, but much still remains unknown about this family.
The children of Lewis and Louiza Thomas Griffin are :

a. Thomas E. Griffin b. 1846 b. Oakdale Cem., Stephensville, Erath Co. TX. He married Mattie New possibly of Cherokee Co. AL.
b. Matilda P. Griffin b. 1850
c. Manda Mary Griffin According to early Alabama census's, Mary was born in 1852. She married Mathew Teague before 1880, at which time he had possbly died. Mary Teague moved to Erath Co. TX where she is listed in the death index ab. 1 Dec 1847 AL d. 1 Feb 1929. Her mother's name is listed as Liza Thomas of MS and her father as Lewis Griffin. Could Louiza have attempted the journey west? Could she have stayed in MS with other members of the family? OR did she die along the way?
d. Margaret P. Griffin
e. Lydia A. Griffin b. 1857.

John B. Smith was part of a larger Smith Family that moved down from Tennessee to Cherokee County AL ca. 1840’s. After the Civil War, he returned to Tennessee and again settled near what appears to be family. Living in Whitwell, Marion County TN, John B. Smith died 21 May 1885. He and wife Rebecca are buried in an iron fenced in plott at Red Hill Community Church Cemetery there in Whitwell. Rebecca died 11 Oct 1912 and is at rest beside her husband. She was born 5 Jan 1826 in Anson County NC. Their grave is marked with a large stone. The fenced in plot for Rebecca’s brother Jonathan E. Thomas is located a few feet away. Rebecca can be traced in the 1900 and 1910 census residing as elder among the family.

The children of John B. and Rebecca Smith are:

a. Naoma Smith b. 1843.
b. William T. Smith b. 1844
c. Alexander Smith b. 1846
d. Nancy Caroline Smith b. 1848
e. Sarah Catherine Smith b. 1850
f. Joseph A. Smith Born 1854 Cherokee County AL, Joseph married Josie McWilliams in Marion County TN. She was born 1854 and died 31 May 1890. Joseph died a few years later 15 Feb 1894. The couple are buried at Red Hill Cemetery
g. George Smith 1856
h. Edward G. Smith b. 1857.
i. James B. Smith b. 1858.
j. Lorenzo Smith b. 1860.
k. Mary D. Smith Born 24 Jan 1862 in Cherokee County AL, Miss Mary D. Smith died 2 Dec 1949.
l. Burrell Smith b. 1864.
m. Jane Smithb. 1867.

John Thomas served in CSA Co. G. 19th Reg. AL. Like his brother Andrew, John was listed as Brigade Blacksmith in Wither's Division, Polk's Corps of the Army of Tennessee. He was listed in a report at Shelbyville and was employed on extra duty in Chattanooga TN. John N. Thomas was last recorded Jan 1864 as on extra duty as Blacksmith at Dalton GA. He died on 4 Oct 1864. According to the 19th Alabama operations timeline, the unit left Dalton GA on 2 Oct 1864 for the Tennessee Campaign.

On 28 Nov 1887, Clory Pinkston authorized James M. Thomas to manage her needs in a power of attorney. James M. was the son of John N. Thomas. Louiza M. Thomas applied for a civil war widow's pension in 1898. The children of John N. and Louiza M. Pinkston are:

a. James Marion Thomas b. 1852 .bur. Moseley Cem, Cherokee AL. In the 1890's, James received a land grant in Cherokee Al. The grant was issued to James M. Thomas of Dekalb Co. AL. He married first Martha M. and second Sarah Ellen
b. Nancy C. Thomas b. 1854
c. Rosa A. Thomas b. 1859.

On 14 May 1862, Lee Thomas enlisted in neighboring Chatooga County GA in CSA Co. D, 34th Reg. He served with friend and neighbor William Thomas Daniel. In a letter home, W. T. Daniel mentions how Lee Thomas fed and took care of him during an illness. Another letter between W. T. Daniel's wife and her sister in law announces the death of Jesse Lee Thomas. The name Lee Thomas appears on the civil war monument in Menlo, Chatooga Co. GA.

In the 1870 Alabama Census, Mary Jane Thomas and the children are listed as living in Bellefont, Jackson County AL. Being the original county seat, Bellefonte was pretty well destroyed during the civil war. Situated just to the north of Scottsboro, Bellefonte is on the west side of the Tennessee River. Mary Jane's sister-in-laws, Emeline and Molisa Thomas lived nearby at Hillian's store on the east side of the river. The sisters Emeline and Mollisa also lost their husbands Emery and James R. Thomas in the war.

Dated 2 May 1871, a lien (5-217, Jackson AL) was placed on properties of Mary Jane Thomas. The mortgage stated she owed thirty dollars for farming supplies and was not able to produce a crop. J.L.(son of Mary and Lee Thomas) and M. J. Thomas then mortgaged (2-33 mortgage, Jackson AL) 15 acres of cotton on John Snodgrass land which was known as the "Swink place". In the late 1870's, J. L. and S. A. Thomas mortgaged (10-301 mortgage, Jackson) livestock to George Gant. M. E. Gant witnessed the transaction. M. E. and J. L were siblings and children of Lee and Mary Jane Thomas.

In the 1880 census of Jackson County AL, listed with Mary Thomas is 19 year-old son William L. Thomas and 3 year-old grandson A. W. Smart. This is the son of Mary's daughter Sarah who married Arthur Smart D. Smart and lived nearby.

On 29 May 1891 in Jackson County AL, Mary J. Thomas applied for a civil war widow's pension. On the form, she stated that her husband Jesse L. Thomas served as

Private in Company "D" of [do not remember no of Regt, Capt Blackwell's Co.] Regiment of Georgia Infantry (Dade Co. GA); that he came to his death [at Battle of Bacons Creek Mississipppi]...

Mary Jane Thomas does not appear in the 1900 census of Jackson County AL. Family history from Jackson County indicates Mary's sons John L. and William L. Thomas moved to Arkansas in the 1890's carrying with them their nephew A. W. Smart. This story has been confirmed by wonderful information provided by Katrina Johnson, a native and descendant of the Thomas family in Arkansas. In 1900, the 23 year-old Arthur W. Smart and newly wed Pheobe are listed as living in Union Township, Saline Co., Arkansas. Living with them is "grandmother" Mary Thomas, born Feb. 1822 in Alabama. Living near Mary Thomas are sons John L. and [William] Lee Thomas. Also living nearby in Arkansas are Alfred and William D. Thomas, who were older brothers of a Samuel Bradford Thomas, who died in Jackson Co. Alabama. Making the journey together from Alabama to Arkansas, we have tried desperately to relate these families. Recently we learned that they are related, but not through the Thomas family. Instead, after Alfred’s mother Elizabeth died, his father married Roena Sharp, the daughter of Emery and therefore first cousin of Mary Jane Thomas’s husband.

The children of Mary Jane and Jesse Lee Thomas are:

a. Mary Elizabeth Thomas b. 4 Mar 1852 d. 13 Jul 1923 bur. Gant cem., Jackson Co. AL, married 20 Dec 1871 George W. Gant b. 30 Sep 1850 d. 23 Nov 1928. Mary Elizabeth died in 1923, her family provided the following obituary found in the PROGRESSIVE AGE dated 19 Jul 1923:

Mrs. G. W. Gant passed away at her home on route 4 last Friday.
She was born March 1851, making her 72 years old. She had led a consecrated Christian life since early childhood and was loyal member of the Methodist Church. Every one who knew her had confidence in her religion. She was never known to speak evil of any one, but always had a kind word for every body.

She is survived by a husband, six sons, J. B., W. M., G. S., C. L., Z. C., and W. H., and one daughter, Mrs. Maynor, also 51 grand children and 13 great grandchildren. Our hearts go out in sympathy to the family in their bereavement. We can only admonish you to live such lives that you will be able to meet mother in a better world.
She was buried at the Gant cemetery last Saturday, Revs. Johnson, Allen, and Varnell o'fficiated

The obituary was followed by a published thank-you letter written to the ministers and the Scottsboro and Pisgah Quartets. Many of the descendants of Geo. W. Gant now live in the Pisgah community across the Tennessee River from where the Gant's originally lived. The children of G. W. and M. E. Gant are: a.) Sam b. 9 Jun 1878 d. 27 Mar 1962, married Sid Sheldon b. 8 Jun 1878 d. 9 Jul 1951, b.) Claudie Bell b. 31 May 1884 d. 19 Jul 1959, married Jim Martin Maynor, c.) Zack, d.) John, e.) Walter, f.) Cal, g.) Charlie.
b. John Lafeyette Thomas b. 1851, married 13 Dec 1877 Susanah Dover at the home of her father in Jackson Co. AL. Samuel Brad Thomas and Erasmus Barber were bondsmen. The John Thomas family moved to Union Township, Saline Co. Arkansas with other family members ca. 1895. Susannah died of typhoid shortly after arriving in Arkansas. John lived to 96 years of age. His obituary reads as follows:

from the BENTON COURIER on January 15, 1948.
John Lafayette Thomas, age 96, died at a local hospital Tuesday. He had been ill for several years. Mr. Thomas was a native of Alabama coming to Arkansas fifty-two years ago and locating in Union Township where he engaged in farming. For many years he was one of the county's most substantial citizen. Mr. Thomas was survived by three sons, Will Thomas of Norman, Oklahoma, Walter and Jim Thomas of Benton, Arkansas, four daughters Nora Kersey of Norman, Oklahoma, Johnnie Breshears of Paron , Burlie Lancaster of Benton and Bell Sharp of Casa. Twenty-six grandchildren, forty-one great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, Rusty Herndon of Texas. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Oak Grove Community Church and conducted by Reverend A. J. Christie. Burial was at Liberty Cemetery.

James R. Thomas enlisted on 14 Aug 1861 at Cedar Bluff in Cherokee Co. AL. The combined military record states that James served in CSA Co. G, 19th Reg. and also Co. A., Batt. Sharpshooters, Alabama. On 12 Sep 1864, "E. Y. Thomas, Wid." registered a claim for deceased soldiers. No further information can be gleaned from the combined military record. However, from the letters written between Elizabeth and Eliza S. Daniel, the cause of James's death is known. James was sick and at Chattanooga. He had taken medicine in the morning and then was eating cucumbers around 10:00 or 11:00. He was able to travel through the camp where he talked to Briant Richardson. At that time, James was "very pert and pitched over on his hands and died in a few minutes." "Died with the choking quindrey." The same letter mentions the death of James's brother Emery and that the two brothers had married sisters, Mollissa and Emaline.

Emeline moved to Scottsboro in nearby Jackson County where she is listed in the 1870 census. Emeline Thomas and children are listed as living with Melissa Thomas and family.

On 1 Mar 1870, Melissa married Henry McAnally. Dated 15 May 1873, Emeline Thomas and Melissa McAnally are listed in a deed as they sold properties (6-701, Jackson AL) to settle a debt. This record indicates the likely death of Melissa's second husband. In the 1880 Census, Emeline Thomas and children are listed as living in Marshall County, Alabama. She used Hillian's Store as her post office address in applying for a Civil War Widow's Pension on 6 May 1896. Hillian's store is no longer in existence. Just above today’s Buck Pocket State Park, the community was located just below the Jackson county line and on the east side of the Tennessee River.

Emeline Thomas does not appear in the 1900 Census. She had either died or moved on with family. However, in 1900 Emeline’s sister Melissa is living in Howard County, Arkansas. At least one child of Emeline is livng nearby. The children of James R. and Emeline Thomas are:

a. Mary Jane Thomas b. Dec 1857, married 13 Sep 1873 at her mother's house in Jackson County to James H. Drain b. Jun 1854. Joel Sharp served as bondsman. Joel is likely the brother of Emery Sharp and is therefore Mary Jane's great uncle. In 1870, Joel Sharp lived in Stevensville, just north of Bellefonte in Jackson County AL. He later moved a little west to the Cumberland Plateau. Just prior to 1900, James and Mary Drain moved to Baker Township in Howard County AR where we get a glimpse of the family from the 1900 census. The children of James and Mary Jane Thomas Drain are: a.) William P. Drain b. Sep 187_; b.) Pha__ Drain, b. Mar 1883; and c.) Daniel C. Drain b. May 1884.
b. Julia E. Thomas b. 1858
c. Sarah C. Thomas b. 1862
d. Martha C. Thomas b. 1864.

A special thanks to the Marion County Genealogical Group and their collection of family files at the Whitwell Library. Since the Marion County Courthouse burned in the 1920’s valuable records were lost. The group’s efforts have enabled us to trace our family.

Jonathan Thomas enlisted 15 Mar 1862 at Mutton Hollow, Cherokee County AL. In CSA Co. G, 19th Reg. AL, he served under Col. Wheeler, Bill Bell Adjunct General, Capt. John Berry, and 1st Lieu. Jim Leath. Returning from war, the family appears in census of Cherokee County through 1870. In 1880 the family is enumerated just up the road in Alpine, Chatooga County GA. They ae listed beside the family of William and Mary Sharp. The census reports read:

1860 Cherokee County AL 24 Jonathan E. Thomas NC 24 Lida E. NC 32 Galbred SC (female) 02 Geo. B. AL 1 Wm E. AL

1870 Cherokee County AL 34 Jonathan Thomas NC 34 Lida E. NC 12 George AL 11 William AL 09 Andrew D. AL 08 James AL 04 Josie AL 01 John AL

1880 Cherokee County AL 45 Johnathan Thomas NC 45 Lydia Thomas NC 21 George B. Thomas 20 William Thomas AL 19 Andrew Thomas AL 17 James Thomas AL 14 Josephine Thomas AL 12 John P. Thomas GA 08 Carrie Thomas GA 06 Armetha Thomas GA

On 4 Nov 1884, Jonathan and family moved to Whitwell, Marion County AL where coal mining was the prominent industry. Applying for a Civil War pension in 1900, Jonathan Thomas stated “My ears are affected also my measles settled into bowels and have had chronic diarrhea ever since.” In 1903 Jonathan again applied for a pension stating “that I contracted chronic dyaria and was struck speechless while on duty at Chickamagy Ga and lay 14 months in the hospittle at tyners Station GA or Tenn.” And “at times when walking along the road will fand down almost dead and partly paralyzed and cant walk.” He further considered himself to be a “county pauper,” stating that his wife supported the family by “washing for the public” for which chore “she is now unable.” From his wife’s widow’s application, Jonathan Thomas died 16 Sep 1905. The grave marker records the date as 16 Sep 1904. Dated 21 Sep 1905, the obituary for J. E. Thomas reads:

WHITWELL, Tenn., Sept. 20 – (special) _ J. E. Thomas who has been almost an invalid for twelve years, died at his home near town Saturday morning, Sept. 16th at 4 o’clock. Death to him must have been a great relief for he had suffered untold pain. He often said that almost every breath was attended with excruciating pain. He expressed himself as ready to go. He was 74 years of age. The burial took place at the Red Hill cemetery Saturday evening at 3:30 p.m. Rev. R. J. Moore officiated at the grave. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the community in their sorrow.

Lydia Ellen Richardson Thomas died 16 Mar 1915. Her obituary dated 8 Apr 1915 reads:

Mrs. L. E. Thomas. Whitwell, April 2. –Mrs. L. E. Thomas died March 16 at the home of her son, A.D. Thomas. Burial was made on the day following at Red Hill in the presence of a very large number of relatives and friends. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Rose of Chattanooga, of the Baptist Church, her pastor, to which church she had been allied for forty years.
Mrs. Thomas would have been 85 years old at her next birthday, June 8th. She was born in Cherokee County Ala., June 8th 1831, and during a long and eventful life has seen many changes. She was the mother of six children as follows: J. M. Thomas and G. B. Thomas, residing in the east valley Whitwell, Mrs. Josie Griffith, Whitwell, J. P. Thomas and A. D. Thomas Whitwell and Mrs. Armettia Layne Murphrysboro, Ill.
Mrs. Thomas has been a resident of Whitwell for thirty-five years, and was well known. Of late years she has lived with her son, A. D. Thomas. Her death was due to infirmities of advanced age.

The children of Jonathan Alexander and Lydia Ellen Richardson Thomas are:

a. George Brit Thomas Born Jan 1858, George is enumerated first in the census records of Cherokee AL. In the 1900 census of Marion County TN, George B. Thomas is enumerated with wife Nancy A. and four children all above the age of fourteen years. But yet the report states George and Nancy were married for only 4 years with Nancy having 2 children of which both survived. So it appears from my distant inspection that Nancy is the second wife and she had possibly two children prior to the marriage? Note that in comparison to the census, the following listing of children reflects this difference.
Dated 13 Apr 1839 the obituary for “Uncle Brit Thomas reads: “ Uncle Brit Thomas passed away July 8. He died in Chattanooga. He was 86 years old, and was operated on a few days ago. He leaves to mourn his loss a son, Lum Thomas, and a daughter, Mrs. Daisy Daffron, and four grandchildren and one brother, Jim Thomas, of Whitwell. The children of George B. Thomas are: a.) Ruth A. Thomas b. Feb 1885; b.) Florence D. Thomas b. Feb 1888; c.) Carrie “Daisy” Thomas b. Jun 1888, married Daffron; and d.) Christopher Columbus Thomas b. May 1886.
b. William E. Thomas Born 8 Jul 1860, William E. Thomas died soon after the family arrived in Marion County TN. His grave is marked with a wonderfully carved stone dating 14 Dec 1886. William E. Thomas is buried at Red Hill Cemetery in Whitwell. He is buried within the plot fenced in iron by his mother after the death of William’s father.
c. Andrew D. Thomas Born 6 Oct 1861, Andrew first appears in the census of Cherokee AL. Moving in 1884 with his parents to Marion County TN, Andrew married ca. 1886 Mary E. Powell. She was born 21 Mar 1862, the daughter of Lewis H. and Rebecca Powell. Dated 2 Mar 1895, A. D. Thomas purchased 65 1/2 acres (CC-62, Marion County TN) from M. F. Harris. The land adjoined the south east corner of the old portion of Red Hill Cemetery. The land may actually be the same as is now the new portion of the cemetery. Mary E. Thomas died 26 Sep 1912 and is buried among her family at Hudson Family Cemetery located about five miles north of Powell’s Crossroads on Hwy. 283. Shortly after Mary died, Andrew’s mother’s 1915 obituary mentions she was living at the home of her son A. D. Thomas at the time of death. Andrew D. Thomas died 26 April 1934 and he is buried beside his wife at Hudson Cemetery. His obituary reads: A. D. Thomas dropped dead at Jasper Thursday. He was at the home of a brother, and stated to the table to eat dinner when he fell to the floor and died. Mr. Thomas was a well-known citizen of Marion County, and sold fruit trees for many years in the section. W. E. Thomas, mail carrier on Route 3, Whitwell, is a son. Interment was made near Whitwell. The children of Andrew D. and Mary E. Powell Thomas are: a.) William E. Thomas b. 2 Feb 1887 d. 7 May 1955 bur. Red Hill Cemetery; b.) Lewis W. Thomas b. 22 Dec 1888 d. 6 Oct 1918 –the obituary for Lewis states he was buried at Pickett’s Cemetery, but he is listed in the cemetery records as being buried with his parents in Hudson Cemetery.

d. James M. “Jim” Thomas Born 1862 in Cherokee County AL, James moved to Marion County TN with his parents in 1884. From the tombstones and census records, we know that James married Lydia Pitman ca. 1887 likely in Marion County. Lydia died 7 Jun 1933 and is buried at Red Hill Cemetery, Whitwell TN. Her obituary reads: Mrs. Jim Thomas. Sulphur Spring, June 12 –Mrs. Jim Thomas died at her home here Wednesday, June 7th of pneumonia. She was 61 years and 9 months old, and has been a member of the Methodist Church since a young girl. She was formerly Lydia Pitman. She is survived by her husband Jim Thomas, and seven children, Mrs. Henry Smith, Horace Thomas, Mrs. Josephine Holtcamp, Oscar Thomas, Mrs. W. J. Holloway, Miss Pearl Thomas, and two sisters, Mrs. John Thomas, and Mrs. Nancy Jones and a great number of friends. Lydia’s husband James M. Thomas died seven years later and is buried beside her at Red Hill Cemetery. The children of James M. and Lydia Pitman Thomas are: a.) Horace Thomas b. 1894; b.) Josephine Thomas b. 1896, married Holtcamp; c.) Oscar James Thomas b. 17 Mar 1898 d. 16 Nov 1982 bur. Red Hill Cem., married 27 Apr 1922 Myrtle Pickett b. 15 Oct 1903 d. 24 Apr 1961; d.) Gracie Thomas b. 1903, married W. J. Holloway; e.) Emma Thomas b. 12 Dec 1905 d. 14 Sep 1914 bur. Red Hill Cem.; and f.) Pearl Thomas b. 1910.

e. Josie Thomas Born 1866, Josie first appears in the 1870 census of Cherokee County AL. Moving to Marion County TN, she married Joseph H. Griffith. Born 19 Jul1867, Joseph is the son of William Henry and Rosa Griffith. Joseph was a mail carrier and in 1895 was crippled when his feet froze in a snow storm while making a delivery on horseback. Joseph H. Griffith died 17 Jan 1942 and is buried at Red Hill Cem., Whitwell TN. The children of Joseph and Josie Thomas Griffith are a.) Icie L. Griffith b. 1891 d. 1975 buried Red Hill Cem., married Charlie Tharpe b. 1887 d. 1949; b.) Clint Griffith b. Sep 1895; and c.) Frank Griffith b. Sep 1899.

f. John P. “Redmon” Thomas Born 1869 in Cherokee County AL, John married Malissa? in Marion County TN. Looking above at James’ M. Thomas’s wife’s obituary, it is stated that she is the sister of Mrs. John Thomas. From the census records, John P. Thomas is enumerated with a wife named Malissa or Mary. The writing is not clearly readable. Could John P. Thomas’s wife be a sister to Lydia Pitman Thomas above? Looking at the census, the children of John and maybe Mary Pitman Thomas are: a.)

g. Carrie Thomas Born ca. 1871, Carrie is known only in the 1880 Chatooga County census. Note, Carrie is not listed among the living children as written in her mother’s Obiturary. Did she Carrie die young?

h. Armettia Thomas Born ca. 1873, as per her mother’s obituary, Armettia married Mr. Layne and moved to Murphysboro IL. What was his given name?

1910 Marion County TN 35 Marshall Thomas TN 28 Margie, married 12 years, 6 children, 5 living 10 Henry 07 Mary 05 Nellie 03 Albert 1 Jesse

1920 Marion County TN 41 Marshall J. Thomas TN 37 Margie C. TN 19 Henry E. TN 17 Mary J. 15 Nellie N. 13 Albert L. 11 Jesse B. M 09 Ruby E. 07 Gladys M. 04 Edith B. 02 Annie or Vernie B.

1920 Marion County TN 57 James M. Thomas AL 47 Lydia E. TN 26 Horace TN 21 Oscar TN 17 Gracie TN 11 Pearl TN

Marshall Thomas Dies At Whitwell
Marshall Thomas, age 67, passed away at residence in Whitwell Friday afternoon. Surviving are three sons, Henry, Jess and Albert Thomas of Whitwell; severy, Jasper; Mrs. Lawrence Jones of Kingsport; Mrs. Henry Barnes of Knoxville; Mrs. Fred Rollins, eral daughters, Mrs. Jess McCur- Mrs. Leland Cantrell, Misses Edith and Elsie Thomas, Whitwell; two brothers Jim Mac Thomas and Grover Thomas, of Signal Mountain; two sisters, Mrs. Charlie Freeman, South Pittsburg, and Mrs. Charlie Harvey of Bridgeport Ala. Also surviving are twenty-two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Bill Gladson and Joe Colston at the Whitwell Baptist Church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, and interment made in Red Hill Cemetery.

George C. (G. C.) Thomas Not mentioned in any way in relation to our Thomas family, this George C. Thomas lived near our family and is buried in Whitwell. In census reports he is listed as born in TN while his parents are identified as being born in AL or GA. If he is related, George should appear as a son in the 1880 Chatooga County Ga census. And yet we know George B. Thomas above is the son of Jonathan and Lydia. Take a look at the census records:

1900 Marion County TN Nov 1875, G. C Thomas TN AL AL Lou, Feb 1880,

1910 Marion County TN 34 George C. Thomas 34 Lue E. 13 George A. 10 Daisy 08 Katie 02 Frank J. 3/12 Vernie

1910 Marion County TN 37 G. C. Thomas 36 Ella 13 Martha? 11 Katie 07 John 05 Virginia 03 Evaline 01 Glennie

Thomas Died From Injuries

Victim of Unexpected Explosion Witwell Mines

Whitwell, April 15. - - G. C. Thomas died in Erlanger hospital early Sunday morning from injuries received from an explosion of dynamite in the mines of Black Diamond Coal Mining Co. The body was brought to Whitwell where interment was made in the Walker cemetery Monday at 10 o’clock, following services at the Baptist Church, Rev. Gibbs and Davis officiating.
Pallbearers were Walter Griffith, Luther Farmer, Fred Carson, Mack Lemons, Sam Perkins, and Shirely Rodgers.
Thomas, who was a miner, was at work in the Whitwell mines, and had prepared three shots, using dynamite. Two of the shots fired, but the third one failed to discharge, and Thomas correctly or had believed the fuse had failed on one shot. He went back and was caught in the explosion.
His left hand was severed, both of his eyes blown out, a hole blown in his neck and other injuries.
Thomas is survived by two sons, Frank, of Whitwell, and George of Washington, D. C.; four daughters, Mrs. Daisy Hamilton of Birmingham, Mrs. Roy Jones, of Florida,Mrs. Vernie Kilgore, of Whitwell and Miss Leela Thomas of Chattanooga, three brothers and two sisters.
Mr. Thomas was one of the older miners of Whitwell. He was so badly injured that from the outset it was seen that there was slight chance for a recovery.

Melissa Davis Thomas married second on 1 Mar 1870 to Henry McAnally, of Bellefonte, Jackson Co. AL. Dated 15 May 1873, Emeline Thomas and Melissa McAnally are listed in a deed where they sell properties (6-701, Jackson AL) to settle a debt. This record indicates the likely death of Melissa's second husband Henry. In 1880, Melissa McAnally is listed as head of household in Marshall County with children George W. Thomas age 18, William R. Thomas age 16 and Thomas A. McAnally age 9.

At that point, Melissa and family seemed to disappear from record. I drove to Jackson County AL looking for clues only to find a dead end. Recently, Lynn Todd contacted me with more information including a picture of Melissa Davis Thomas McAnally. Lynn descends from Melissa’s only child born to Henry McAnally. Just prior to the 1900 census, Melissa and family moved to Howard County, Arkansas. There and then, Malissa McAnally is enumerated as “Mother” in the household of James Thomas McAnally. She is listed as being born Jul 1834. Living next door to Melissa and Thomas McAnally are the family of Edmond Allen b. 1876 and wife Sallie A. b. Dec 1879. Living in that home is Kate M. Thomas b. Jul 1865. She is enumerated in the home of Edmond and Sallie Allen as “Aunt.” Does she relate to our Thomas family and how? Also, living nearby is Melissa’s son William Thomas and his family.

Melissa died 25 May 1905 and is buried at Athens Cemetery in Athens, Howard County AR. The children of Emery and Melissa Davis Thomas are:

A. George W. Thomas b. 1861
B. William R. Thomas b. Aug 1862, married Eliza b. Mar 1860. The children of William and Eliza Thomas are: a.) Elizabeth Thomas, b. Jul 1883; b.) Julia Thomas b. Feb 1884; c.) Ralie B. Jul 1886; d.) Senge? D. Thomas b. Sep 1887; e.) Abbie G. Thomas b. Feb 1890; f.) Mary E. Thomas b. Aug 1882; g.) Berry T. Thomas b. Dec 1894; h.) Nathan? W. Thomas b. Aug 1898.

Henry McAnally’s first wife died prior to 1870 leaving him with the following children:___________________. In 1871 Henry married Melissa, the widow of Emery Thomas. Henry and Melissa Davis Thomas McAnally had the following son:
A. James Thomas Allison McAnally Born ____ , he married Alice Davis.

After the war, Andrew married 27 Oct 1867 Jannie Elizabeth Cook in Chatooga County GA. She was Born 21 Jan 1847 d.22 Feb 1922. The 1870 Chatooga County Census indicates that Andrew's mother was living at his house at that time. She is listed as a retired farmer. The children of Andrew and Jannie Thomas are:

a. Victoria C. Thomas b. 1868, married 11 Nov 1886 Joseph N. Cain, son of John N. and Nancy C. Cain.
b. James W. Thomas b. 1870
c. George Andrew Thomas b. 1 Apr 1873, married Julie Kelly Hays
d. John H. Thomas b. 1874
e. Osca L. Thomas b. 1878
f. Adda Thomas b. May 1881.

Of interest, Bryant Richardson likely had a brother named John who also moved to Cherokee County AL. In both Anson County NC and in Alabama, John Richardson's neighbor is listed as Balaam Thomas. In the 1850 Cherokee County AL Census, Balaam is listed as 70 years old, a cooper, and born in Virginia. His wife is 69-yearold Clarissa who is born in NC. In the 1860 Census, the aging Balaam Thomas and Clarissa are listed as living in the household of John Richardson. In 1860, he is lited as born in NC. On 4 Apr 1831, Balaam Thomas sold 112 acres on Mill Creek in Anson County to John Presley. The land adjoins the proprietory lands, Joel Thomas's field, and William Price Land. In the deed, Balaam Thomas specifies that all of this tract of land is for sale with the exception of of five acres including the "John Thomas house" belonging to him and his wife "Elizabeth Thomas". They may live on the land until their death and then the land will be added to that deeded to John Presley. This was actually in Union County NC. The deed appeared there when the land was later sold on 25 Sep 1858. Balaam is likely the son of John William Thomas who was a contemporary of our Benjamin Thomas. The children of John William are believed to be Moses Thomas b 1792, Lecy Thomas b. 5 Apr 1794 d. 6 Mar 1869 married Joel Helms, John Thomas b. 1795, William Thomas b. 1796, Morton Thomas b. 1799, Joel Thomas b. 1805. Emanuel Thomas b. 1811, and Hezakiah Thomas b. 1813. Most of these if not all moved through Alabama. They lived near our Thomas's in NC and AL. Could they be related?

The Richardson family received land grants near the Georgia state line and near the town of Ringold. From a pension request later filed in Texas, William Henry Richardson served in CSA 19th Reg. GA. In the 1870 and 1880 census, William Henry Richardson is listed as living in Chatooga County GA. Along with his parents and other family members, the William H. Richardson family moved to Texas ca. 1883. They first lived in the settlement of Pecan Gap in Delta County. In 1888, much of the Richardson family moved to nearby Camp County TX where their descendants still live today.

William Henry Richardson died 22 Jan 1919 and is buried in Delta County TX. Mary Ann must have died earlier, as her grave has not been located. The children of William Henry and Mary Ann are:

a. Margaret J. Richardson b. 14 Oct 1859 d. 21 Feb 1901
b. Martha M. Richardson b. 1863, married Enoch Merril Boyd
c. Jonathan Bryant Richardson b. 1864, married Georgia Ann Farrow
d. Martin Asberry Richardson b. 1866 in GA, married Dora Biggerstaff
e. Nancy Florence Richardson b. 23 Oct 1867 d. 18 Sep 1948, married John Madden Huffer
f. William Thomas Richardson b. 10 Feb 1870 d. 25 Nov 1934, married Lila Waddle
g. Johnson Lee Richardson b. 19 Jul 1871 d. 4 Apr 1929, married Mary Elizabeth Smith
h. Elizabeth Eveline Richardson b. 1873, married John Richardson
i. James Tilton Richardson b. 11 Dec 1875 d. 13 Mar 1932 married Mary Romie Campbell
j. Ader L. Richardson b. 1877 d. 1954 married W. Edd Lyday
k. Arthur Richardson b. 1979, married Mae Nolan.
l. Samuel Marshall Richardson b. 1882, married Hattie Money
m. Izella Mae Richardson b. 20 Aug 1885 d. 1926, married James Nathaniel Holton.

a. Ezekiel A. Thomas b. 5 May 1871 d. 12 Feb 1934 bur. Johnson Cem. near Lyerly, Chatooga Co, GA., He married Martha Ann Rhinehart b. ca. 1871 d. 24 Jun 1950, the daughter of Tom and Frances Ann Carr Rhinehart.
b. Ida Jane Thomas b. 27 Dec 1873 d. 17 Jan 1917, married 13 Nov 1893 George Washington Ray b. ca. 1871 d. 15 Nov 1938.
c. Ethel Thomas b. 8 Oct 1877 d. 1 May 1967 bur. Moseley Cem, Jamestown AL. She married Henry Coxwell b. 15 Apr 1874 d. 17 Jan 1938.
d. Emma Caroline Thomas b. 20 Jan 1876 d. 13 Feb 1975 bur. Mosely Cemetery, married 19 Apr 1905 Wriley Sharp b. 16 Dec 1876 d. 19 Apr 1957, the son of Allen B. and Sarah Jane Richardson Sharp.
e. Luetkel Thomas b. 1877.
f. Margaret M. Thomas b. 1886 d. 1972 bur. Moseley Cem, Jamestown AL. She married 27 Jan 1907 Lee A. Crowe b. 1885 d. 1968, son of William Jasper Crowe (CSA).

William E. Thomas and granddaughter Abbie Gail Sharp,
daughter of Wriley and Emma Caroline

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