Thomas A. Mathis

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]

Key Information

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	(1869-06-07)June 7, 1869 New Gretna, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	May 18, 1958(1958-05-18) (aged 88) Toms River, New Jersey, U.S.
Political party	Republican
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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]