John Sherrod Thomas

1779 - Jan. 9, 1881

Lived to be 101. Note that his marker is zinc, often called “white bronze.” It was made by Monumental Bronze Co. of Bridgeport, CT, which cast the markers 1877—1914. Each side is cast separately, and every marker was custom made. It was hoped that the zinc marker would last better than stone, but it turned out to be fragile, as can be seen by Thomas’ wife’s broken marker.

In 1806 Thomas was captain of a volunteer company called out to defend against Indian troubles. In the War of 1812, he was lieutenant of artillery in a militia co. commanded by Capt. Jett Thomas. When Jett Thomas resigned, John Sherrod Thomas took over as captain. In 1845, he was judge of the inferior court.

He got along well with the local Indians. When he carried large sums of cash for business, they would escort him to protect him.

During the Civil War, he had a contract to provide the government with brandy and whisky. He opposed speculators on his brandy and whisky and threw them off his property, while always giving any Confederate soldier a meal and provisions. He gave all the wool from his 400 sheep to women who would make clothing for soldiers. At the end of the War, despite Confederate bonds' declining value, he sold $40,000 worth of cotton and invested it in the near worthless Confederate bonds.

Side: East, Section: E