Thomas Henry Burruss

Thomas's father was one of the first Baptist preachers in Caroline County. Thomas, a lay minister, would also preach the gospel in his father's church. He was a devout christian, and no doubt his faith sustained him when lesser men became overwhelmed by the adversities, uncertainties, and hardships of life in Caroline County. Feeding, clothing and educating a family of twelve children had to have been a constant concern for him.

Thomas was respected for his intelligence, serenity, faith and ability to endure and achieve where others failed. He was a successful farmer and businessman in Caroline County.

Thomas suffered from an abdominal hernia. After attending to business in town one evening, Thomas fell entering the front gate to his home. From descriptions of his death, it seems apparent that the fall perforated his hernia, causing a bowel obstruction. Without the surgery that is available today, his death was unavoidable. Thomas knew he was dying and his brother Henry was called to write his will. His brother Henry, and son, Charles E. Burruss were executors of his estate.