Thomas emigrated from England to Topping Castle, Caroline County, Virginia, in the late 17th century. He was granted a patent on 4/25/1701 for 546 acres of land in St. John's Parish, Pamunkey Neck, King William County, Virgina 'for the transportation of eleven persons in the colony'.

He served as Justice (1701) and as High Sheriff (1708-09).

Supposedly Sir Thomas, his wife and four sons left England and came to Virginia, on account of their loyalty to the Stuarts and the persecution of Cromwell. A grant of 25,000 acres was made to their family from King Charles, in the counties of Louisa, Albemarle, King and Queen, etc., written on parchment and granting this land 'to our trusty and beloved Thomas Carr, Gentleman.' In the Albemarle group of places that came under the Carr's grants were: Burnt Mills, Carr's Brook, Dunlora, Glenecho, Bentivar, Red Hills, Retreat, Brook Hills, and the Chestnut Mountain Ridge known later as South West Mountains. John and Robert settled south of the James River near Carrsville. (from Cunningham Family History, by Marqua Duncan, 2001)