Thomas Fortson Gibbs left Atlanta fairly soon after finishing his term as its fifth mayor.

In John H. James

John H. James

John H. James was an American banker, politician, and businessman who served as the 21st Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1871....

' remembrances of this time, he describes the mayor as "Dr. Gibbs" but doesn't explain what sort of doctor. He represented Elbert County, Georgia

Elbert County, Georgia

Elbert County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. It was established on December 10, 1790 and was named for Samuel Elbert. As of 2000, the population was 20,511. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 20,525...

 in the state house in 1837 and came to Atlanta after 1850. He ran and won as the city's fifth mayor for 1852 and ran for a second term January 17, 1853 but was defeated by John Mims. Shortly after this, he left town, possibly to Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis is a city in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County. The city is located on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff, south of the confluence of the Wolf and Mississippi rivers....

. He was married to Caroline Rebecca Harris (1807–1888) and they had eight children before his death.