From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)
Thomas, Grant
(born: c. 1846 - died: c. October 3, 1864 (probably Killed in Action)) Grant Thomas was born a slave in Anderson County about 1846. He remained a slave into adulthood; President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom.Thomas therefore made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 9, 1864 was enrolled as a private in Company E of the 5th U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment.
Although not at the full complement of men, those enrolled in the regiment at the end of September were assigned to take part in Burbridge's Campaign into southwest Virginia, which was active at the First Battle of Saltville on October 2, 1864. After an all-day battle, the Federals failed to capture Saltville and were forced to withdraw, leaving scores of dead and wounded soldiers behind on the battlefield.
Of the 400 men of the 5th Colored Cavalry Regiment engaged in the battle, over 120 were reported killed, wounded or missing. In the aftermath of the battle, a general massacre occurred as all the wounded Colored troops were reported to have been murdered.
Grant Thomas was listed as MIA following this engagement and no doubt was among those killed during the morning of October 3, 1864.