Thomas M. Newsom, circuit court clerk of Hardeman County, was the sixth of a family of eleven children born to Michael J. and Mary C. (Cosbey) Newsom. The father was a Virginian. He moved to Middle Tennessee when quite a young man. There he was married. During his residence in that section of the State he assisted in the laying of the corner-stone of the State Capitol. About 1850, he settled in Hardeman County, where the remainder of his life was spent. He was a prosperous agriculturist, owning some 700 acres of valuable land. For six years, he was magistrate and served eight years as constable. He was a stanch Democrat. He died in 1871, a consistent member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife also belongs. Mrs. Newsom is still living on the homestead. She is about sixty-three years of age, a true Christian woman, beloved by all who know her. Of her family of children ten are living. Our subject, Thomas M., was born in Hardeman County, March 17, 1858. He was raised on a farm. In his early years his educational advantages were very meager, but later he received the benefits of a much better class of schools. At the age of eighteen, he began teaching-school, which he continued for about eight years, meeting with considerable success, and giving entire satisfaction to his patrons. In 1886, he was called to the important and honored position which he now holds. Thus far he has proved to be a most efficient officer, and his friends have no doubts concerning his future discharge of duties. He is an ardent Democrat, a genial, intellectual gentleman, well known and highly respected.
Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”