Thomas A. "Captain Tom" Mathis (June 7, 1869 – May 18, 1958) was an American politician and the Republican boss and racketeer of Ocean County, New Jersey during the early 20th century.[1] He served in the New Jersey Senate and was the Secretary of State of New Jersey from 1931 to 1941. His son was state senator W. Steelman Mathis.[2]
Thomas A. Mathis | |
|---|---|
| Member of the New Jersey Senate from Ocean County | |
| In office 1942–1946 | |
| Preceded by | W. Steelman Mathis |
| Succeeded by | W. Steelman Mathis |
| In office 1923–1931 | |
| Preceded by | Harry T. Hagaman |
| Succeeded by | Wilfred H. Jayne Jr. |
| In office 1914–1916 | |
| Preceded by | George C. Low |
| Succeeded by | David G. Conrad |
| In office 1910–1910 | |
| Preceded by | William J. Harrison |
| Succeeded by | George C. Low |
| 18th Secretary of State of New Jersey | |
| In office 1931–1941 | |
| Governor | A. Harry Moore Harold G. Hoffman |
| Preceded by | Joseph F. S. Fitzpatrick |
| Succeeded by | Joseph A. Brophy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 7, 1869 New Gretna, New Jersey |
| Died | May 18, 1958 (aged 88) Toms River, New Jersey |
| Political party | Republican |
A very corrupt figure in New Jersey politics, Mathis reportedly received kickbacks on illegal gambling and prostitution operations. He committed suicide on May 18, 1958, at his home in Toms River, New Jersey at age 88.[3]
References
edit- ^ "This Ocean County political boss was not to be crossed" by Eril Larsen, Asbury Park Press
- ^ "Some Ocean County GOP history". Observer. 2009-08-13. Retrieved 2017-01-11.
- ^ "The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey on May 20, 1958 · Page 2". Newspapers.com. 1958-05-20. Retrieved 2017-01-11.