The oldest son of John Henry White and Mildred Terrell Satterwhite, Thomas J. White moved from Panola County, Mississippi to the Belmont area of Gonzales County, Texas in 1851 with his mother and step father, Fleming Littlefield. He married Martha E. Phelps in DeSoto County, Mississippi in January, 1851. When the Civil War broke out, he served a private in Mauls Legion, C.S.A. He and his wife were the parents of nine children who lived to adulthood, several of whom worked for George W. Littlefield, Thomas' half-brother. A family legend states that T. J. White went into profound mourning after the death in October, 1914 of his son, Thomas David White. Thomas Jefferson White died less than a month following his son. Some family members believe he literally died of a "broken heart".
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Cindy S. Munson, FAG Contributor #47210136 located the following obituary for T.J. White from the Gonzales [Texas] Inquirer from November 17, 1914:
"REMAINS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON WHITE LAID TO REST"
"The remains of Mr. Thomas Jefferson White, who died at Roswell, New Mexico, Friday morning, November 13, at 1:20 o'clock, were consigned to their final resting place in the Masonic cemetery here Monday afternoon with appropriate services.
"The remains came in over the Southern Pacific at three o'clock in the afternoon and were escorted to the residence of Mr. R.H. Walker. They were accompanied from Roswell by a son, Mr. Phelps White, and three daughters, Mrs. J.M. Murphy, Mrs. R.H. Walker and Mrs. H.A. Wore, and Mr. W.P. Littlefield, a brother. Other relatives joining the party at Austin were a son, Mr. Will White of Mason and a son-in-law, Mr. H.A. Wore of Austin.
"Simple but impressive services were conducted at the Walker residence at 3:30 o'clock in the presence of a number of friends and relatives of the family gathered to pay their last respects, to render a parting tribute to the dead.
"Rev. Chas. H. Dobbs, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. White had for many years been a member, made an earnest talk in which he brought out the importance of being ready when the summons comes as was this venerable Christian, who had placed his trust in the Master so many years ago.
"Two hymns, 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Asleep in Jesus' together with Scripture reading and prayer completed the service.
"The Masons then took charge of the remains.
"The acting pall bearers, Messrs. J.G. Barnett, J.M. Mohrmann, Harry Gurinsky, Ross Both, J.S. Douglass and J.C. Bright, bore the handsome casket to the hearse, members of the Knights Templar order in full regalia being drawn up in line on either side of the entrance as they passed out.
"The Masons and Knights Templar in double file marched at the head of the procession as it took up its sorrowful march to the cemetery. Here the remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors beside those of the wife who preceded him some fourteen years ago, and the lately lamented son, whose remains had been consigned to their last resting place just two weeks previous.
"The Grave was lined with white and bordered with evergreen and violets. The beautiful silence cushion was formed entirely of yellow chrysanthemum. A magnificent array of floral offerings from friends and relatives, not only here in the old home, but from Roswel, Austin, Mason and other points, banked the new made grave and covered those adjoining as well. Among them were numerous exquisite offerings including wreathes, cushions, crosses and other handsome emblems fashioned of beautiful chrysanthemums, roses, tube roses and ferns, the choicest blossoms of the season. The Missionary and Aid societies of the Presbyterian church sent special offerings including a lovely cross and wreath, while the employees of the local Telephone Exchange sent a handsome cushion.
"Mr. White was the oldest Mason and Knight Templar in the local lodge, we understand, his affliction with the order dating away back in the fifties. Full of years and ripe for the harvest, he was gathered into that rest which remaineth to the children of God.
"While his passing, coming so closely after the death of a loved brother, is doubly sad to the loved ones who remain they have the precious assurance that the parting is only temporary, that they will be reunited in that other home prepared for those who love and trust Him.
"The following were honorary pallbearers: H. K. Wood, E. E. Qualls. H. L. Qualms. J. S. Conway, T. E. Stephensons, J. P. Randle, John DuBose, Jim Haven, L. Burchard, W. M. Atkinson, W. B. Houston, W. J. Bright, W. M. Fly, Ed Titcomb, W. F. Robertson, all of Gonzales; J. W. Come, C. W. Walker, W. L. Sears, E. A. Cahoon, Dr. J. W. Kissinger, J. W. Roberts, W. M. Atkinson, Claude Hobbs, of Roswell, New Mexico; Eive Hamilton, David Doole Sr. of Mason Texas."
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Cindy S. Munson, FAG Contributor #47210136 located the following obituary for T.J. White from the Gonzales [Texas] Inquirer from November 17, 1914:
"REMAINS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON WHITE LAID TO REST"
"The remains of Mr. Thomas Jefferson White, who died at Roswell, New Mexico, Friday morning, November 13, at 1:20 o'clock, were consigned to their final resting place in the Masonic cemetery here Monday afternoon with appropriate services.
"The remains came in over the Southern Pacific at three o'clock in the afternoon and were escorted to the residence of Mr. R.H. Walker. They were accompanied from Roswell by a son, Mr. Phelps White, and three daughters, Mrs. J.M. Murphy, Mrs. R.H. Walker and Mrs. H.A. Wore, and Mr. W.P. Littlefield, a brother. Other relatives joining the party at Austin were a son, Mr. Will White of Mason and a son-in-law, Mr. H.A. Wore of Austin.
"Simple but impressive services were conducted at the Walker residence at 3:30 o'clock in the presence of a number of friends and relatives of the family gathered to pay their last respects, to render a parting tribute to the dead.
"Rev. Chas. H. Dobbs, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. White had for many years been a member, made an earnest talk in which he brought out the importance of being ready when the summons comes as was this venerable Christian, who had placed his trust in the Master so many years ago.
"Two hymns, 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Asleep in Jesus' together with Scripture reading and prayer completed the service.
"The Masons then took charge of the remains.
"The acting pall bearers, Messrs. J.G. Barnett, J.M. Mohrmann, Harry Gurinsky, Ross Both, J.S. Douglass and J.C. Bright, bore the handsome casket to the hearse, members of the Knights Templar order in full regalia being drawn up in line on either side of the entrance as they passed out.
"The Masons and Knights Templar in double file marched at the head of the procession as it took up its sorrowful march to the cemetery. Here the remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors beside those of the wife who preceded him some fourteen years ago, and the lately lamented son, whose remains had been consigned to their last resting place just two weeks previous.
"The Grave was lined with white and bordered with evergreen and violets. The beautiful silence cushion was formed entirely of yellow chrysanthemum. A magnificent array of floral offerings from friends and relatives, not only here in the old home, but from Roswel, Austin, Mason and other points, banked the new made grave and covered those adjoining as well. Among them were numerous exquisite offerings including wreathes, cushions, crosses and other handsome emblems fashioned of beautiful chrysanthemums, roses, tube roses and ferns, the choicest blossoms of the season. The Missionary and Aid societies of the Presbyterian church sent special offerings including a lovely cross and wreath, while the employees of the local Telephone Exchange sent a handsome cushion.
"Mr. White was the oldest Mason and Knight Templar in the local lodge, we understand, his affliction with the order dating away back in the fifties. Full of years and ripe for the harvest, he was gathered into that rest which remaineth to the children of God.
"While his passing, coming so closely after the death of a loved brother, is doubly sad to the loved ones who remain they have the precious assurance that the parting is only temporary, that they will be reunited in that other home prepared for those who love and trust Him.
"The following were honorary pallbearers: H. K. Wood, E. E. Qualls. H. L. Qualms. J. S. Conway, T. E. Stephensons, J. P. Randle, John DuBose, Jim Haven, L. Burchard, W. M. Atkinson, W. B. Houston, W. J. Bright, W. M. Fly, Ed Titcomb, W. F. Robertson, all of Gonzales; J. W. Come, C. W. Walker, W. L. Sears, E. A. Cahoon, Dr. J. W. Kissinger, J. W. Roberts, W. M. Atkinson, Claude Hobbs, of Roswell, New Mexico; Eive Hamilton, David Doole Sr. of Mason Texas."
The oldest son of John Henry White and Mildred Terrell Satterwhite, Thomas J. White moved from Panola County, Mississippi to the Belmont area of Gonzales County, Texas in 1851 with his mother and step father, Fleming Littlefield. He married Martha E. Phelps in DeSoto County, Mississippi in January, 1851. When the Civil War broke out, he served a private in Mauls Legion, C.S.A. He and his wife were the parents of nine children who lived to adulthood, several of whom worked for George W. Littlefield, Thomas' half-brother. A family legend states that T. J. White went into profound mourning after the death in October, 1914 of his son, Thomas David White. Thomas Jefferson White died less than a month following his son. Some family members believe he literally died of a "broken heart".
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Cindy S. Munson, FAG Contributor #47210136 located the following obituary for T.J. White from the Gonzales [Texas] Inquirer from November 17, 1914:
"REMAINS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON WHITE LAID TO REST"
"The remains of Mr. Thomas Jefferson White, who died at Roswell, New Mexico, Friday morning, November 13, at 1:20 o'clock, were consigned to their final resting place in the Masonic cemetery here Monday afternoon with appropriate services.
"The remains came in over the Southern Pacific at three o'clock in the afternoon and were escorted to the residence of Mr. R.H. Walker. They were accompanied from Roswell by a son, Mr. Phelps White, and three daughters, Mrs. J.M. Murphy, Mrs. R.H. Walker and Mrs. H.A. Wore, and Mr. W.P. Littlefield, a brother. Other relatives joining the party at Austin were a son, Mr. Will White of Mason and a son-in-law, Mr. H.A. Wore of Austin.
"Simple but impressive services were conducted at the Walker residence at 3:30 o'clock in the presence of a number of friends and relatives of the family gathered to pay their last respects, to render a parting tribute to the dead.
"Rev. Chas. H. Dobbs, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. White had for many years been a member, made an earnest talk in which he brought out the importance of being ready when the summons comes as was this venerable Christian, who had placed his trust in the Master so many years ago.
"Two hymns, 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Asleep in Jesus' together with Scripture reading and prayer completed the service.
"The Masons then took charge of the remains.
"The acting pall bearers, Messrs. J.G. Barnett, J.M. Mohrmann, Harry Gurinsky, Ross Both, J.S. Douglass and J.C. Bright, bore the handsome casket to the hearse, members of the Knights Templar order in full regalia being drawn up in line on either side of the entrance as they passed out.
"The Masons and Knights Templar in double file marched at the head of the procession as it took up its sorrowful march to the cemetery. Here the remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors beside those of the wife who preceded him some fourteen years ago, and the lately lamented son, whose remains had been consigned to their last resting place just two weeks previous.
"The Grave was lined with white and bordered with evergreen and violets. The beautiful silence cushion was formed entirely of yellow chrysanthemum. A magnificent array of floral offerings from friends and relatives, not only here in the old home, but from Roswel, Austin, Mason and other points, banked the new made grave and covered those adjoining as well. Among them were numerous exquisite offerings including wreathes, cushions, crosses and other handsome emblems fashioned of beautiful chrysanthemums, roses, tube roses and ferns, the choicest blossoms of the season. The Missionary and Aid societies of the Presbyterian church sent special offerings including a lovely cross and wreath, while the employees of the local Telephone Exchange sent a handsome cushion.
"Mr. White was the oldest Mason and Knight Templar in the local lodge, we understand, his affliction with the order dating away back in the fifties. Full of years and ripe for the harvest, he was gathered into that rest which remaineth to the children of God.
"While his passing, coming so closely after the death of a loved brother, is doubly sad to the loved ones who remain they have the precious assurance that the parting is only temporary, that they will be reunited in that other home prepared for those who love and trust Him.
"The following were honorary pallbearers: H. K. Wood, E. E. Qualls. H. L. Qualms. J. S. Conway, T. E. Stephensons, J. P. Randle, John DuBose, Jim Haven, L. Burchard, W. M. Atkinson, W. B. Houston, W. J. Bright, W. M. Fly, Ed Titcomb, W. F. Robertson, all of Gonzales; J. W. Come, C. W. Walker, W. L. Sears, E. A. Cahoon, Dr. J. W. Kissinger, J. W. Roberts, W. M. Atkinson, Claude Hobbs, of Roswell, New Mexico; Eive Hamilton, David Doole Sr. of Mason Texas."
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Cindy S. Munson, FAG Contributor #47210136 located the following obituary for T.J. White from the Gonzales [Texas] Inquirer from November 17, 1914:
"REMAINS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON WHITE LAID TO REST"
"The remains of Mr. Thomas Jefferson White, who died at Roswell, New Mexico, Friday morning, November 13, at 1:20 o'clock, were consigned to their final resting place in the Masonic cemetery here Monday afternoon with appropriate services.
"The remains came in over the Southern Pacific at three o'clock in the afternoon and were escorted to the residence of Mr. R.H. Walker. They were accompanied from Roswell by a son, Mr. Phelps White, and three daughters, Mrs. J.M. Murphy, Mrs. R.H. Walker and Mrs. H.A. Wore, and Mr. W.P. Littlefield, a brother. Other relatives joining the party at Austin were a son, Mr. Will White of Mason and a son-in-law, Mr. H.A. Wore of Austin.
"Simple but impressive services were conducted at the Walker residence at 3:30 o'clock in the presence of a number of friends and relatives of the family gathered to pay their last respects, to render a parting tribute to the dead.
"Rev. Chas. H. Dobbs, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. White had for many years been a member, made an earnest talk in which he brought out the importance of being ready when the summons comes as was this venerable Christian, who had placed his trust in the Master so many years ago.
"Two hymns, 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'Asleep in Jesus' together with Scripture reading and prayer completed the service.
"The Masons then took charge of the remains.
"The acting pall bearers, Messrs. J.G. Barnett, J.M. Mohrmann, Harry Gurinsky, Ross Both, J.S. Douglass and J.C. Bright, bore the handsome casket to the hearse, members of the Knights Templar order in full regalia being drawn up in line on either side of the entrance as they passed out.
"The Masons and Knights Templar in double file marched at the head of the procession as it took up its sorrowful march to the cemetery. Here the remains were laid to rest with Masonic honors beside those of the wife who preceded him some fourteen years ago, and the lately lamented son, whose remains had been consigned to their last resting place just two weeks previous.
"The Grave was lined with white and bordered with evergreen and violets. The beautiful silence cushion was formed entirely of yellow chrysanthemum. A magnificent array of floral offerings from friends and relatives, not only here in the old home, but from Roswel, Austin, Mason and other points, banked the new made grave and covered those adjoining as well. Among them were numerous exquisite offerings including wreathes, cushions, crosses and other handsome emblems fashioned of beautiful chrysanthemums, roses, tube roses and ferns, the choicest blossoms of the season. The Missionary and Aid societies of the Presbyterian church sent special offerings including a lovely cross and wreath, while the employees of the local Telephone Exchange sent a handsome cushion.
"Mr. White was the oldest Mason and Knight Templar in the local lodge, we understand, his affliction with the order dating away back in the fifties. Full of years and ripe for the harvest, he was gathered into that rest which remaineth to the children of God.
"While his passing, coming so closely after the death of a loved brother, is doubly sad to the loved ones who remain they have the precious assurance that the parting is only temporary, that they will be reunited in that other home prepared for those who love and trust Him.
"The following were honorary pallbearers: H. K. Wood, E. E. Qualls. H. L. Qualms. J. S. Conway, T. E. Stephensons, J. P. Randle, John DuBose, Jim Haven, L. Burchard, W. M. Atkinson, W. B. Houston, W. J. Bright, W. M. Fly, Ed Titcomb, W. F. Robertson, all of Gonzales; J. W. Come, C. W. Walker, W. L. Sears, E. A. Cahoon, Dr. J. W. Kissinger, J. W. Roberts, W. M. Atkinson, Claude Hobbs, of Roswell, New Mexico; Eive Hamilton, David Doole Sr. of Mason Texas."
Family Members
Siblings
Half Siblings
Children
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John Wilburn "Will" White
1854–1939
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James Phelps White
1856–1934
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Thomas David White
1859–1914
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Ida White Walker
1862–1954
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Sarah Zalinda "Sallie" White Murphy
1865–1944
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Pearl White Wroe
1868–1918
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Martha Elizabeth White
1872–1948
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Edna Hildegard "Hilda" White Hodges
1874–1937
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Mary Mildred White
unknown–1853
