Col. Thomas Ward

Thomas Ward and his uncle, Jeremiah Ward, Sr. were the oldest permanent settlers in Kanawha Co., VA (now Cabell Co., WVA). They came to the area shortly following the Rev. War, about 1795, according to the Ward Book. They first lived in a cave to avoid Indians in the area. They purchased many tracts of land, including parts of the original "Savage Grant," and developed salt works (mines?). At one time, Thomas Ward owned practically all the land from Salt Rock to three miles below Barboursville. He was the oldest salt maker in Cabell County.

It seems as though Thomas Ward was in possession of considerable amounts of land when he and Jeremiah Ward, Sr. came to the Guyandotte River area. This was mostlikely a result of his service in the Rev. War. While there (in current-day WVA) he bought and sold many parcels of land in both Cabell and Wayne Counties, WVA.

Thomas Ward was appointed Colonel of the Virginia Militia and carried the title "Col. Thomas Ward" until he left the state. He was appointed Sheriff of Cabell County by Virginia Gonenor John Tyler on February 14, 1809. He gave the bonds required along with Jeremiah Ward, Nathaniel Seales, and Manoah Bostic as surities. Samuel Short was appointed Sheriff by Govenor James Barbour on July 3, 1812, giving bonds required with Col. Thomas Ward, Elisha McComas, and John Wellman as sureties. Prior to his death, Col. Thomas Ward transferred his property to his son John Ward, Jr. and his son-in-law William McComas.