James Thomas (Swansea) facts for kids
James Thomas was an important person who lived in Swansea, Wales, a long time ago, from 1710 to 1781. He was an Alderman, which is like a city council member, and he was also elected as Portreeve of Swansea five times. A Portreeve was a bit like a mayor or chief officer of the town in those days.
Early Life and Family
James Thomas was born in 1710. When he was 24 years old, on November 19, 1734, he married Frances Mollyne. Their wedding took place at St. Mary's Church in Swansea.
Political Career in Swansea
James Thomas was very active in the local government of Swansea. He served as the Portreeve of the city several times. This was a very important job, as the Portreeve was in charge of managing the town's affairs.
He was elected Portreeve in these years:
- 1757
- 1762 (he served alongside Christopher Rogers and John Gwyther)
- 1763
- 1768 (he was a deputy, helping William Powell)
- 1772 (he served with Phillip Rogers as his deputy)
Being elected Portreeve five times shows that the people of Swansea trusted him to lead their city.
Later Life and Legacy
James Thomas passed away in Swansea on September 13, 1781, when he was 71 years old. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary's Church.
Sadly, his headstone (the stone marker on his grave) was destroyed many years later during World War II. This happened during the Three Nights Blitz of Swansea in 1941. The Blitz was when German airplanes, called the Luftwaffe, bombed cities in Britain. Even though his headstone was lost, James Thomas is remembered as a key figure in Swansea's history.
