Fiction; "literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people." Just thought it best to clear that up with fact.

The "Ward" connection
...Thomas J. Beale is the main character in a publication that Ward represents, a publication that contains direct references to both Lynchburg and Richmond
, the same two cities, the only two cities where Thomas J. Beale's can be found during both eras - both during the time of the earlier described events and also during Ward's involvement with that publication. Thomas J. Beale is disclosed/described as a man of color, the Thomas J. Beale of Richmond, the only Thomas J. Beale matching this description and also living in the very city, Richmond, where the author references his involvement in important business affairs. But yes, you are correct, even in this very direct but limited explanation it is easy to see that a Thomas J. Beale, a man of color living in Richmond, couldn't possibly be connected to Ward, Lynchburg, Richmond, or the publication.
Theories, they are theories because they are hopefully suppose to continue to morph into fact as more new questions are asked and more new answers are discovered. It is by these new theories and ideals and notions that those vital new questions see birth and new discoveries are made. Continuing to cuddle and sit on the same dead eggs will never bring about a hatch.