Here's Thomas' parents in the 1880 census before he was born:

Source Citation: Year: 1880
Census Place: Rocky Creek, Butler, Alabama
Roll: T9_4; Page: 420 A; Enumeration District: 40

Name: Mathew Gardner
Home in 1880: Rocky Creek, Butler, Alabama
Age: 24
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1856
Birthplace: Alabama

Mathew Gardner, Head, 24, Farmer, b. AL, parents b. GA
Gracy Gardner, Wife, 29, Keeps House, b. AL, parents b. AL
Sarah Gardner, Daughter, 4, b. AL
Elizabeth Gardner, Daughter, 3, b. AL
Arven Gardner, Daughter, born in May of this year, 1M, b. AL