Rev. Thomas Bomar

Rev. Thomas Bomar, the son of William and Elizabeth Hurt Bomar, was born April 13, 1770. He married Elizabeth Carlton High on October 23, 1797. He was 27 and she was 15. They had 12 children: Sarah E. Bomar, William Bomar, Katherine Bomar, Clarissa Bomar, Alexander C. Bomar, Thomas J. Bomar, Richard H. Bomar, Benjamin F. Bomar, Elizabeth M. Moore, Mary A. Bomar, Burnell H. Bomar and John M. Bomar. He died June 13, 1830 and is buried at the Bethlehem church, where he had his first pastorial charge. The following information is from the book History of Spartanburg by J.B.O Landrum... Thomas Bomar became a minister of the gospel. A brief biography of him was written by Wilson N. Hunt, Esq., published in 1827, which gives the date of his birth as April 13, 1770, in Essex County, Virginia. In 1778 his parents moved to Halifax County. He was educated in the best schools to be found in his day and time. His father, William Bomar, was an Episcopalian in his religiious profession, and one whose exemplary course of conduct was highly characteristic of genuine piety. Thomas Bomar was of delicate health, and his afflictions at last brought him to Christ. He was baptized by Rev. Thomas Dobson, united with Hunting Creek Baptist Church and ordained a minister in 1803, at the annual session of Ronoake Virginia Association. The next year he migrated to Spartanburg district, South Carolina. His first charges were Bethlehem and Mount Zion churches, the latter being an "arm" (the old name for mission) of Bethlehem. Subsequently he became pastor of New Prospect church and the citizens of Spartanburg village received a liberal share of his exertions. His life was actively given to the cause, of Christ and was attended with great results. He was an ardent missionary in speech, and was for a time president of the Spartanburg Auxiliary Bible Society. At one time he filled the office of tax-collector in Spartanburg district. He died suddenly at the house of John S. Rowland, near Boiling Springs, June 13, 1830. He is buried at Bethlehem church, where he had his first pastorial charge. He married in October 1797, Miss Elizabeth C. High, and left a family of 12 children, most of whom migrated to the West. Among those that remained was one son whose name is inseparably connected with Spartanburg County; this is General Alexander C. Bomar. He is remembered as sheriff of said county, which office he held for several years. He was also brigadier-general of the Ninth Brigade South Carolina Militia, and was an efficient officer and active member of Mount Zion church.