Thomas Williams White (1820 - 1879)

Born 7 Apr 1820 in Milledgeville, GA

Ancestors

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Biography

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From John White of Muddy River, cited herein: Dr. (Benjamin Aspinwall) White's second son was named Thomas Williams, in memory of the Mr. Williams who had brought up Mrs. White after the early death of her parents. After preparing for college he came North, spending some six years before going home. He was one year at the Military Academy at West Point. Later he entered Norwich University at Northfield, Vermont, where he graduated in 1841. He also made an extended visit in Brookline with Mr. Oliver Whyte and his family. Subsequently he taught school in Ohio and then returned to Milledgeville, where he studied law and began the practice of that profession.

In 1849 he organized and led a company which, after eight months of hardships, made the overland journey to California. Mr. White was the engineer who laid out San Jose for the proprietors, and was chosen Mayor of the new city. He was also made judge in the county courts. In 1854 he returned to Milledgeville, having prospered in California; and the next year he again visited Brookline. At the beginning of the Civil War he raised a company, of which he was captain for a year, when he was transferred to the Engineer Corps and put in charge of the coast works of Georgia. He planned and built Ft. McAllister, near Savannah, having command there when captured by Gen. Sherman in December 1864. Upon his release from Ft. Delaware, at the close of the war, he resumed the practice of law in Milledgeville, and was a county judge there also.

In 1866 he married Miss Henrietta Alston Kenan, leaving, at his death twelve years later, his widow and one daughte.

UNION AND RECORDER, Milledgeville, Georgia, 02 September 1879 "MEMORIAL EXERCISES OF JUDGE THOMAS W. WHITE. On Friday, during the session of our Su perior Court, the committee appointed to draft a memorial and resolutions in honor of our esteemed friend, Judge Thomas W. White, reported through their chairman, Hon. F. C. Furman, a preamble and resolutions, which we give in full. The reading of the memorial was follow ed by feeling and eloquent remarks from Capt. C. P. Crawford and Solicitor General Whitfield—each of them bearing testimony to the sterling characteristics of heart and mind of our deceased friend. May He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, extend the ®gis of his protection around, and administer the balm of His consolation to the hearts of the mourning loved ones whom he has left behind. Judge Thomas W. White, the eldest son of Dr. Benjamin A. and Mrs. Jane E. White, was born at Brookline- near the dividing line between Jones and Baldwin Couuties, in April — 1820. His early education was received at the Midway Academy under the charge at that time of the celebrated Preceptor, Dr. Carlise P. Beman. Upon emerging from his school boy days, discovering a taste which was prominent in his character, throughout life, for scientific and mathematical pursuits, his father received for him a scholarship at West Point. But the strict discipline there in vogue proving irksome to him. he left that institution and pursued his education in a private military institute in one of the Western States—graduating with the highest honors In bis class. On his return to Georgia, he studied law under Colonel Augustus H. Kenan and was admitted to tho bar at Wilkinson Superior Court, in 1848— but did not enter, at once, actively upon the practice of his profession, preferring to devote his time to the indulgence and cultivation of his literary and scientific tastes. When the tide of excitement, consequent upon the discovery of the new El Dorado upon our western coast, swept over the country—his ardent imagination was at once fired with the idea of wealth and fame to be acquired in the far West, and in company with a party of kindred Spirits from this and surrounding counties, he joined a procession (since become historically famous as the men of forty-nine,) destined to undertake the then herculean eff- >rt of a journey of lour thousand miles through unknown deserts, over untrod mountains and across unnamed torrents to the famed gold fields of California. After many perils and thrilling incidents, by flood and field, the hardy adventurous band reached its destination. While most of his comrades sought their fortunes in the .gold mines. Judge White settled vigorously down to tho practice of his profession, in the rapidly growing mining town of San Jose. Here his scientific training as a surveyor and civil engineer in connection with his legal lore, proved in valuable to him in assisting him in ascertaining and establishing the land lines of the old Spanish Grants in that section. Talent like his was rare in that new country. His services wore eagerly sought, his reputation grew apace and money flowed into his lap like water. His thorough unselfishness and generous qualities of mind and heart rendered him a universal favorite in a community where such qualifications obtained quick recognition, and we soon find him clad in the ermine—first as Mayor of the young city, and soon after as Judge of the-Circuit Court, in both of which positions, he sustained and broadened the reputation he had previously established. Just at this time, as a bright future was dawning upon him in this Wonderful country, his father’s health failed, and he received a letter urging him to return to Georgia, to take supervision of Ills father's large and diversified business and to lessen the cares of his aged parent’s declining days. To such a call, his nature allowed him to give but one response, and turning his back upon the bright career that had surely opened out before him in the he retraced his steps to take his place at his fall. His father dying soon after his return, and leaving his estate in his charge, he opened an office in this town, and married Miss Henrietta Kenan, the accomplished daughter of his former preceptor, Colonel Augustus H. Kenan. When the. tocsin of war sounded, none responded more cheerfully than Judge White, and to the terrible exposures and suffering consequent upon confinement as a prisoner in Fort Delaware, is to be ascribed, the presence of that dread disease, consumption, that removed him from our midst. Upon the termination of the war, he returned home and manfully set to work to restore his wasted and shattered fortune. Upon tho establishment, by the Legislature of a County Court system, he was appointed Judge for Baldwin county, and during the existence of the court, discharged his duties with ability and conscientiousness. His health under the attacks of the insidious disease that was slowly but surely sapping his vital powers, gradually failed him—but to .the very last he was cheerful and resigned, exhibiting the spirit of a true manliness on every occasion. Ho was a true gentleman and eminently distinguished for his politeness, generosity, courage and kindness of heart. A man never lived more utterly unselfish and respectful of the feelings of others. His literary and scientific attainments, were some thing exceptional.. He was well read in books, and from travel and contact with the world in almost all phases of life he had treasured up an amount of information which rendered his company and conversation both entertaining and instructive. As a citizen, he was public spirited, courteous, affable and popular. As a friend, he was true, generous and sympathetic. As a lawyer and advocate, ho strove ever to create and retain the kindest and most pleasant relations with his brethren at the bar. In his domestic relations, he was the devoted husband—the fond father—tho affectionate relative. Snatched from our midst while yet in the meridian of his usefulness, we wonder and are silent in the presence of the mysterious providence which has summoned him away. Resolved, That in the death of Judge Thos. W. White, the State has lost a loyal and patriotic son, and this Bar, a prominent and useful member. Resolved, That we cordially sympathize with the family of the deceased in their grievous affliction. Rewired, That this memorial and these resolutions be entered upon the minutes of this Court, and that a certified copy of them be transmitted."

Sources

1. ↑ White-35881 was created by Robby White through the import of 2017 07 02 White export.ged on Jul 2, 2017. This comment and citation should be deleted after a short biography has been added and primary sources have been cited.

Charles F. White. John White Of Muddy River and Descendants Of His Son Benjamin. A Paper Read Before The Society April 22, 1903 and April 27, 1904. PUBLICATION OF THE BROOKLINE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1904, NO. 3. http://www.brooklinehistoricalsociety.org/history/publications/Num3/White.html

Ellis, William A. Norwich University: Her History, Her Graduates, Her Roll of Honor. New Haven, CT, 1898. Entry on Capt. Thomas Williams White, A.B.