Thomas R. Kersh (1847 - 1916)

Born Oct 1847 in South Carolina, United States

Husband of Amie (Crawford) Kersh — married about 1865 (to 1889) in Arkansas, United States

Husband of Sarah Francis (Elzy) Kersh — married 27 Jan 1892 in Lincoln, Arkansas, United States

Died 1916 at about age 68 in Arkansas, United States

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Biography

Thomas Kersh is a part of US Black heritage.

Thomas Kersh is Notable.

Thomas Kersh served in the United States Civil War.
Enlisted: 1863
Mustered out: 1865
Side: USA
Regiment(s): 1st Battery, Arkansas Light Artillery (African Descent) (Union)

Thomas R. Kersh is a notable figure for his multifaceted contributions during a transformative period in American history. Born in South Carolina, he played a crucial role in the Union Army during the Civil War, enlisting in the First Arkansas Light Artillery Battery composed of former slaves. Post-war, Kersh demonstrated resilience as a farmer and actively engaged in post-reconstruction politics, serving in the Arkansas State Legislature. His involvement in the Citizen Convention in 1890 showcased his commitment to democracy and community. Kersh's life is a testament to the perseverance of African-Americans during a tumultuous era, leaving an indelible mark through military service, civic participation, and agrarian endeavors.^[1]

Thomas R. Kersh, born in October 1847 in South Carolina, embarked on a journey that led him to Arkansas before the Civil War. Much of his early life remains mystery, but his significant contributions and resilience shaped his legacy.^[2][3]

In the turmoil of the Civil War, Kersh enlisted in the First Arkansas Light Artillery Battery, a unit formed on May 22, 1863, comprising former slaves who served in the Union Army. His commitment to the cause marked a pivotal chapter in his life.^[4][5]

Post-war, Kersh found love and companionship with his first wife, Amie Crawford, with whom he shared at least three children. The 1870s saw him in Choctaw Township, Arkansas County, near the Auburn post office, where he diligently farmed to sustain his family.^[6] The echoes of his agrarian pursuits continued into 1880, when he lived in Choctaw Township, Lincoln County.^[7]

Tragedy struck in 1889 with the death of Amie, prompting a second marriage to Sarah Francis Elzy on January 27, 1892, in Lincoln County. This union bore no children, but Kersh's resilience prevailed.^[8]

The post-war era beckoned Kersh into politics, as he served in the Arkansas State Legislature from 1885 to 1887 during the challenging period of reconstruction.^[9][10] In 1890, he actively participated in the Citizen Convention, a gathering of African-Americans in Varner, Arkansas, addressing the state of democracy and presenting candidates.^[11]

The turn of the century found Kersh steadfast in Choctaw Township, continuing his life as a farmer.^[2] The 1910s witnessed the final chapter of his remarkable journey^[12], as Thomas R. Kersh passed away in Arkansas around 1916. His life, marked by service in the Union Army, contributions to post-war politics, and dedication to agriculture, remains a testament to the resilience and fortitude of individuals face historical challenges.^[3]

Sources

1. ↑ Wikipedia contributors. Thomas R. Kersh. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. December 21, 2023, 06:46 UTC. Available at: Thomas R. Kersh. Accessed January 19, 2024.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Choctaw, Lincoln, Arkansas; Roll: 65; Page: 6; Enumeration District: 0118 Ancestry Record 7602 #2740825.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1} Wintory, Blake, Thompson's Station, Tennessee, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 30 Jan 2023. "African American Legislators (Nineteenth Century)." Accessed 19 Jan 2024.
4. ↑ U.S., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934: The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC, USA; U.s., Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934; NAI Title: General Index to Civil War and Later Pension Files, Ca. 1949-Ca. 1949; NAI Number: 563268; Record Group Title: Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 1773-2007; Record Group Number: 15; Series Number: T288; Roll: 108 Ancestry Record 4654 #1795637
5. ↑ Christ, Mark K., Central Arkansas Library System, Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 14 Jun 2023. "First Arkansas Light Artillery Battery (African Descent) (US)." Accessed 19 Jan 2024.
6. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Choctaw, Arkansas, Arkansas; Roll: M593_47; Page: 23B Ancestry Record 7163 #13473951
7. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Choctaw, Lincoln, Arkansas; Roll: 49; Page: 29D; Enumeration District: 176 Ancestry Record 6742 #2901282
8. ↑ Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957: Ancestry.com. Arkansas, U.S., County Marriages Index, 1837-1957 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957." Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009, 2011. "Arkansas County Marriages, 1838–1957," database, FamilySearch; from Arkansas Courts of Common Pleas and County Clerks. Digital images of originals housed at various county courthouses in the State of Arkansas. Marriage records. Ancestry Record 2548 #1146565
9. ↑ Our Lawmakers, The Osceola Times, Osceola, Arkansas, 2 Oct 1886, Sat. - Page 4. Newspapers Clip: 40067464, Accessed 19 Jan 2024.
10. ↑ Arkansas House of Representatives Elected September 1, 1884, Daily Arkansas Gazette, Little Rock, Arkansas, 2 Dec 1884, Tue. - Page 6. Newspapers Clip: 90442329, Accessed 19 Jan 2024.
11. ↑ Glorious Uprising, the Democracy of Lincoln County Asserts Itself in Unmistakeable Terms, Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, Arkansas, 20 Aug 1880, Wed. - Page 6. Newspapers Clip: 139092480, Accessed 19 Jan 2024.
12. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: Choctaw, Lincoln, Arkansas; Roll: T624_55; Page: 26a; Enumeration District: 0128; FHL microfilm: 1374068 Ancestry Record 7884 #618016

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q112033073