Georganna,

When researching, you will find a variance in the ages of your ancestors. I don't know if you have seen this, but Thomas's parents are listed in the 1860 census (Nathan and Susan Hawley) in Granville, NC. Thomas is also there at age 4 which would have him being born about 1856. The 1870 census has him at age 16 born about 1854. The 1880 census has him at 25 years old born about 1855. You already have the 1900 and 1910.

Personally I usually use the earliest census documenting age as use that as my approximate age. Since the 1860 is the first of his documented age, I would lean more toward that as his approximate age.

I wouldn't get too hung up on the ages though.

Regina