Francis A. Thomas Explained

Francis A. Thomas (1826 – September 28, 1899) was a prominent physician and Republican politician in New York City's 19th ward.

Born in Lewis County, New York, Thomas graduated from the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1853.[1] In 1854, he was appointed as house physician for Blackwell's Island, serving for one year.[2]

Thomas was a prominent Republican, helping to found the Sons of Freedom during the Civil War. The Sons of Freedom later merged into the Union League Club.

Elected in 1865, Thomas served as a councilman from the Seventh District from 1866 to 1867.[3] In 1868, Thomas ran on the Republican ticket for the United States House of Representatives against Democrat Fernando Wood, losing in a close and bitterly contested election. He subsequently was made Police Surgeon, and held that office for ten years.

On September 26, 1899, Thomas was struck by a Lexington Avenue cable car while crossing 85th Street near his home and died two days later at Presbyterian Hospital.

Notes

Notes and References

  1. Book: Catalogue of Officers and Graduates of Columbia University. New York. 1916. 335. Internet Archive. francis a. thomas columbia.. University. Columbia.
  2. News: Death List of a Day: Dr. Francis A. Thomas. The New York Times. 29 September 1899. .
  3. News: Councilmen Elected. The New York Times. 6 December 1865. .
  4. Book: Mushkat, Jerome. Fernando Wood: A Political Biography. registration. Kent State University Press. Kent, Ohio. 1990. 174–5. 9780873384131 .