Thomas, Elizabeth

Epithet: Assistant Editor 'New Statesman'

British Library Archives and Manuscripts Catalogue : Person : Description : ark:/81055/vdc_100000000352.0x0002f9

Griffith E. Thomas (1814-1899), described in his obituary as "one of Loudoun's oldest and most highly respected citizens," was laid to rest in the Mount Zion Cemetery at the time of his death. Beginning circa 1934, the direct descendents of his nine children with Rebecca Wright Thomas (1821-1911) established the annual Griffith Thomas family reunion that has been held almost exclusively at the church since its inception. Currently, the family still meets once every year.

The Mount Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1851. On 4 July 1864, it was the site of a bloody skirmish between Mosby's Rangers and the Second Massachusetts Cavalry, resulting in at least 105 Union casualties. The church held services until 1980, and is now a Loudoun County historical site.

From the guide to the Griffith Thomas Family of Virginia Collection, 1934-1990, (Thomas Balch Library)