My Genealogy Hound

Maj. Lemuel A. Thomas, dealer in dry goods and groceries, Brownsville, was born in Hardeman County, Tenn., May 9, 1838, and is the son of Rev. James and Grizella (Alston) Thomas. They were both natives of North Carolina, and moved to Lauderdale County, Tenn., when Lemuel was only a year old. Our subject was raised and educated on the farm. In 1859 he moved to Dancyville, Haywood County, and commenced merchandising, but when the war began he enlisted in the Ninth Tennessee Infantry, Company A, as a private; was promoted to first lieutenant, then to captain. He afterward formed a regiment, the Fourteenth Tennessee Cavalry, and was mayor of it, participating in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga and others. After the war Mr. Thomas again opened a store at Dancyville, and remained there until 1867, then went to Stanton, and in 1872 came to Brownsville, and opened a large store. He has been successful in business, but lost a great deal by fire in 1872. November 28, 1867, he married Julia A. Moody, of Haywood County. Five daughters and four sons were the result of this marriage: Thomas M., Mary, Bertie J., Lillie, June H., Dillie K., William J., Leonora and Lemuel A., Jr. Mr. Thomas is also engaged in farming on an extensive scale, owning 700 acres of excellent land, well improved. In politics he is a Democrat. He is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H. and K. of P. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and all of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. That he has successfully conducted a store and so large a farm demonstrates his business capacity.