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 byW. Steelman Mathis
Succeeded byW. Steelman Mathis
In office
1923–1931
Preceded byHarry T. Hagaman
Succeeded byWilfred H. Jayne Jr.
In office
1914–1916
Preceded byGeorge C. Low
Succeeded byDavid G. Conrad
In office
1910–1910
Preceded byWilliam J. Harrison
Succeeded byGeorge C. Low
18th Secretary of State of New Jersey
In office
1931–1941
GovernorA. Harry Moore
Harold G. Hoffman
Preceded byJoseph F. S. Fitzpatrick
Succeeded byJoseph A. Brophy
Personal details
Born(1869-06-07)June 7, 1869
New Gretna, New Jersey
DiedMay 18, 1958(1958-05-18) (aged 88)
Toms River, New Jersey
Political partyRepublican

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

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  1. ^ "This Ocean County political boss was not to be crossed" by Eril Larsen, Asbury Park Press
  2. ^ "Some Ocean County GOP history". Observer. 2009-08-13. Retrieved 2017-01-11.
  3. ^ "The Courier-News from Bridgewater, New Jersey on May 20, 1958 · Page 2". Newspapers.com. 1958-05-20. Retrieved 2017-01-11.