Thomas Butler Eastland

Notes:

[Broderbund WFT Vol. 8, Ed. 1, Tree #2491]

The Eastlands came to America sometime during the early part of the
eighteenth century, and, like so many of yeomen stock, during several
generations they drifted westward. By 1800, Thomas Butler Eastland, from
whom descends the Texas line, had reached Kentucky, acquired a plantation
called Woodlands, married Nancy Mosby, and was Quartermaster-General of
the Kentucky Militia.

When the War of 1812 began, he volunteered and spent most of it fighting
under the command of General William Harrison. In recognition of his
military services, particularly in the Battle of New Orleans, the
government awarded him several grants of land in Tennessee, the last of
which was made in 1838.

After the War of 1812, he moved with his children (Nicholas Washington,
William Mosby, Thomas, James, Robert, and an unidentified daughter) to
Tennessee. In his new home, following the death of Nancy Mosby, he
married again, this time to a Miss Swan. Four more children were born to
his second marriage: Edward, George, Cumberland, and another unidentified
daughter.

A man of some wealth acquired though military service and the
accumulation of land, Thomas Butler Eastland was able to provide a
substantial education for his children. His eldest son Nicholas
Washington (who was to live most of his life in Watterson), was enrolled
in 1818 in the United States Military Academy at West Point, holding his
appointment from Tennessee. The other children were given as fine an
education as was available for the time and place. William Mosby was also
afforded at least a smattering of the military education which was to
stand him in such good stead on the frontier and the Mexican border.

Thomas Butler Eastland soon attained an enviable position in the
Tennessee community of Sparta in White County, and as his wealth
increased founded the little town of Eastland, only a short distance away.

Thomas married Nancy Mosby in 1792/1824. Nancy (daughter of Nicholas Mosby and Susannah Hobson) was born about 1776; died in 1777/1870. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Nicholas Washington Eastland was born on 3 Apr 1803 in Woodford County, KY; died on 5 Aug 1891 in Watterson Community County, TX.
2. William Mosby Eastland was born in 1795/1824; died in 1801/1903.
3. Thomas Eastland was born in 1795/1824; died in 1801/1903.
4. Robert Eastland was born in 1795/1824; died in 1801/1903.
5. James Eastland was born in 1795/1824; died in 1801/1903.