As Sheriff and Justice of the Peace of Surry/Sussex County, Virginia, Thomas Avent would have been the chief law enforcement officer for the area. As such, he was called in by the Council of Gov. Alexander Spottswood of Virginia to investigate some troubles involving the local Indian tribes, the Sappony, the Nottoway, and the Catawba (Thomas calls them the 'Cotobers' in his letter).

On 13 Oct 1727 he received a grant of land in Brunswick Co., VA (Land Patent Book 13:179), so must have been born on or before 1706.

Sussex Co., VA Will Book "A" (1754-1764) p. 36:

Last Will and Testament of John Avent, of Albemarle Parish, Sussex Co., VA, dated 18 Aug 1755, proved 10 Nov 1755. Mentions son John, wife Margaret.