Presidents, governors, lieutenant governors, city council-people, animal control controllers. I feel a bit obliged to recognize my cousins who served in a public office. One such individual was Thomas Ward Veazey, my 3rd cousin, 6x removed.

Thomas was the governor of Maryland from 1836 to 1839. He was the last governor who was not elected by the people – the legislature put him in office three years in a row. Thomas was a popular chap and with good reason. He entered politics in 1808 but left it to take up arms as a lieutenant colonel in Maryland’s 49th regiment during the War of 1812.  Severely outnumbered and outgunned, Thomas is remembered for having put up a good fight in defense of Fredericktown, Maryland in 1813. Reportedly, the 35 militia men under his command held off the invading British forces for 45 minutes. (46 minutes into the battle they retreated.)

Thomas had three wives – one of whom was his 3rd cousin – and eleven children. He died in 1842 and was buried in the family cemetery at Cherry Grove. As governor he was considered progressive except in one area: Thomas was an adamant supporter of slavery. Boooo, Thomas!

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relation: 3rd cousin, 6x removed
Common ancestors: Thomas Ward Veazey’s 2nd great grandparents, John and Mary (Broccus) Veazey, are my 8th great grandparents

References:
Davis, A. V. (1995). Descendants of John Veazey. Zebulon, North Carolina: Veazey Family Association
Quesenberry, E. L. (2013, April 27). Thomas Ward Veazey: Cecil’s Whig governor & hero of Fredericktown. Cecil Whig. Retrieved from http://www.cecildaily.com/
http://www.nga.org

Note: the complete title of Ann’s book, as it appears on the title page, is: Descendants of John Veazey of “Cherry Grove” Cecil County, Maryland