Thomas was the son of unknown parents. The date and place of his birth have not been found.
His wife was Margaret McCreath, who he married on 17 NOV 1875 in Forehill by Ayr. Their five known children were George William (1877-1927), Margaret Crichton (1880-1894), Thomas Osborne (c1883-?), Jane McCreath (1884-1941) and James McCreath (1887-?).