By 1817 William and Rachel Thomas were living in Georgia. Both were born in Georgia.

The Census of 1850 listed their family, then living in Gilmer County, Georgia, as:

William Thomas, age 37;

Rachel Thomas, age 33;

David Thomas, age 13;

Sarah Thomas, age 11;

Alta Thomas, age 9;

Permelia Thomas, age 6;

Ibby Thomas, age 3;

and William Thomas, under one year.

The 1860 Census shows three new family members: Lida Ann, age 6; Tatum, age 3; and Louisana Thomas, age 2. Family lived in Holly Creek area.

The Census of 1860 lists David, age 22, with wife Amanda, age 20,living in Murray County, using post office at Holly Creek.

David's parents lived adjacent to David and Amanda in 1860.

Both David and his father enlisted in the Confederate Army. Both died during the war.

Confederate Army records indicate that David Thomas enlisted as a Private in Company A, 39th Ga. Cummings Volunteers, in March 10, 1862. His unit participated in military engagements at Tazewell, Tenn., Aug. 6, 1862; Richmond, Ky., Aug 29-30, 1862; Perryville and Lexington, Ky., October 8, 1862; Williamsburg, Ky, Oct. 1862; Edward's Station, Miss., May 16, 1863; Vicksburg, Miss., May 1-July 4, 1863. On July 4th David was captured by Union soldiers. He was paroled on July 8th.

David Thomas's unit was at Cumberland Gap, Tenn., Sept. 9, 1863; Bridgeport, Ala., Sept. 23, 1863; Fort Loudon, Tenn., Oct. 14, 1863; Lenoir Station, Tenn., in Nov. 1863; at Knoxville, Tenn., Nov. 17 - Dec. 4, 1863; Rocky Face, Ga., Feb. 25, 1864; then numerous battles from Missionary Ridge (Chattanooga), May 9, 1864, to Atlanta. David Thomas, who had attained the rank of 3rd Sergeant on September 15, 1863, was killed at Jonesborough, Georgia on August 31, 1864.

William C. Thomas enlisted as a Private, in Company C, 11th Infantry Georgia, Anderson Brigade, July 3, 1861. On December 1, 1862, he was promoted to Corporal. His military records indicate that he was promoted to Sergeant but listed no date.

Company C, 11th Infantry participated in military engagements at: Fairfax, Va., Sep. 22, 1861; Yorktown, Va., Apr. 5 - May 4, 1862; Seven Pines, Va., May 31-June 1, 1862; Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1862; Bull Run (2nd Manassas), Va., Aug. 28-30, 1862; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, 1863; Deep Bottom Va., Aug. 16, 1864; Rappahannock, Va., Aug. 23 - Nov. 7, 1863; and Wilderness, Va., May 6 - Aug. 25, 1864. Records in the Murray County Courthouse indicate that Sergeant William C. Thomas was killed in 1864, somewhere in Virginia.

Both father, William C. Thomas, and son, David Thomas, died while serving in the Confederate Army.

 

Murray County Families