Hugh - my name is Larry Thomas, James Wesley Thomas was my great grandfather, My father John Thomas was born in 1909, his father was Samuel Thomas, my grandfather. My wife and I have visited both James and Samuel's graves in Giles County VA, both are about 5 miles apart with one in Poplar Hill. This 'thread' is fasinating. Are you related? I have Mr. Chapla's book on the 42nd VA Infantry and his listed service record, this is much more complete. We have visited the GA archives just south of Atlanta in Morrow GA trying to research information on James Wesley's parents. Interestingly enough I have thought that his father was named Eli and his mother was named Eliza. We zeroed in on Campbell County as well, the only reference we could find was in the "GA Black Book" where Eli B. Thomas was arrested along with Jesse Thomas of Dekalb County, they assulted Thomas Hewitt with intent to kill. This looks like it happened on November 16th, 1827. The arrest warrant was issued on Febuary 7th, 1828.

The researcher we were working with felt reasonably sure this was in referance to my great, greatgrandfather. Did not have any luck in finding any more info.

I have always wondered about the reference of transferring to the CSA Navy.

Also, lately I have heard that he was a prisoner of war, although Mr. Chapla's book does not mention that in his service record, a recently found cousin says she remembers her mother talking about James Wesley being a prinsoner of war, do you know where he was held?

Also I have never heard about him changing his name to John. I do have copies of Civil War Pension records where his second wife, Cynthia, applied and receved the pension.

Wow, this is so wonderful for my family!

Larry Thomas