• Born: 1 Jan 1744, Halifax, North Carolina, America ³⁵⁹²
• Married (1): 27 Jan 1763, Isle Of Wight, Virginia ³⁵⁹²
• Married (2): 26 May 1787, Hawkins Co., TN, USA ³⁵⁹²
• Died: 4 Dec 1797, Ebbing Springs, Hawkins, TN, USA ³⁵⁹²
• Buried: Dec 1797, Amis, Hawkins

   General Notes:

Amis opened an Inn and operated a tavern which became public stage stop-over for many notables such as Andres Jackson, Governor John Sevier, the elder Michaux, and Bishop Francis Asbury. The good Bishop noted in his journal that he spent the night at Amis Tavern was well entertained for his money, but that he rebuked Amis for bragging about how much money he made off of his brew. Evidently the two engaged in some heated debates, for Asbury commented that "it was out of necessity and not choice that he was there."

According to the writings of Dr. George E. Mellon of the University of Tennessee, "In his day, Thomas Amis was a man both of substance and official distinction." During the Revolutionary War, on December 22, 1776, he was commissioned Commissary for the Third Regiment, North Carolina Continental Troops, under Colonel Jethro Sumners, and given the rank of Captain.

In Volume 2, page 586, North Carolina Colonial Records, by Saunders, Amis wrote to his Excellency, "I have been the only acting commissioner and have supplied all the troops since the departure of our Army northward. Have already mortgaged my own property for the loan of a few hundred pounds."

Amis requested Bladen County, North Carolina in the Provincial Congress in 1776, and in 1788-89, represented Hawkins County, North Carolina/Tennessee where his votes were in favor of separation. In 1786, while trading in the west (Natchez, Mississippi.) his boat was confiscated on the river by the Spanish Commandant, and despite a letter of strong opposition from Amis, evidently never returned to it's rightful owner. In 1787 Thomas married, second, Lucy Haynes, daughter of Frances and Anna Haynes. Thomas Amis Will was the first one ever recorded in Hawkins County, Tennessee. He and both wives are buried in Amis Cemetery near the stone house in which they resided, three miles above Rogersville, Tennessee. ( In May 1999, Vernon Drewa, a descendant of Thomas, photographed the old rock home, which was added onto in 1840. It is approximately 1.5 miles south of Rogersville, sitting on a hill on the east side of the road.) Will of William Amis: Page 3, dated December 30, 1809. Mediating on the uncertainties of life, I make this my last Will and Testament. I bequeath my soul to the mercy of my maker Almighty God and bequeath my worldly estate in the manner following; I bequeath to my beloved brother James Amis my negro boy Frank, also what is now coming to me in the State of Kentucky, I bequeath to my dear beloved sister Nancy, my negro girl Milly, and I wish my brother Haynes Amis, Exec., to settle my affairs and do bequeath Daph and Joe to him for his trouble, my brother Haynes Amis and should the debts due me not discharge what I justly owe, I wish the negroe’s to be hired out until there is money collected to discharge same. Given under my hand and seal this Thirtieth day of December, 1809. Wm. Amis (seal). ^3572,3592