From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (PIONEERS & PATRIOTS: Anderson County Military Servicemen, Revolutionary War - WWI)
Grayson, Thomas (born c. 1836-1840)
(born: c. 1836 His gravestone says he was born in 1840. - died: 1922) Grayson was born a slave in Anderson County, KY about 1836. He remained a slave throughout his childhood and as an adult as well; even President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation only freed slaves in states openly hostile toward the Union. Since Kentucky refrained from secession, the slaves within its borders remained in bondage. Late in the war, however, the government called for the enlistment of Colored regiments, and all who answered the call were granted immediate freedom. In great numbers, slaves threw down the tools of forced labor and walked away from the fields to a nearby enlistment point. One of those who chose to become a soldier was Thomas Grayson, who made his way to Camp Nelson to enlist, and on September 17, 1864 was enrolled as a private in Company K of the 12th U.S. Colored Heavy Artillery Regiment. At this time of his enlistment, he testified he was born in Anderson County about 1836, but the 1900 Anderson County Census indicates his birth occurred in Indiana.The 12th Artillery saw no reported action, mainly served garrison duty at various locations throughout Kentucky until it was discharged from service on April 24, 1866.
He survived the war and returned to Anderson County, where his wife Sophia, whom he'd married in 1862, was waiting. The family appears on the 1870 Federal Census of Anderson County as a 33-year old husband and father of four children, working as a distiller. He again is found on the 1880 Census as a 41-year old distiller. His wife is still listed, along with three additional children. The 1890 Kentucky Census was destroyed, but he appears again in 1900 as a 59-year old. Grayson is buried at Woodlawn Hills Cemetery in Anderson County.