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John W. Thomas (sheriff)
John Warren Thomas (April 1, 1815 - July 20, 1888)[1] was a shoemaker,[1] and politician who twice served as the Sheriff of Norfolk County, Massachusetts, first for one year, from 1852 to 1853, and again for 21 years, from 1857 to 1878.[2] Personal lifeThomas, the son of Andrew Thomas, was born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1815. Thomas received his education in the Weymouth public schools.[1] He was a Congregationalist.[1] Thomas died on July 20, 1888, at the age of 73.[1] His portrait is in the collection of the Dedham Historical Society.[3] Political careerIn 1852 Thomas was elected to represent Weymouth in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, and in 1853 he was elected to serve as a member of the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention.[1] In 1852 Thomas was appointed Norfolk County sheriff by Massachusetts governor George S. Boutwell. The next year Thomas was removed from office for political reasons by Boutwell's successor John H. Clifford[1] In 1856 the state law was changed and the office of sheriff became an elected, rather than appointed position, Thomas received the nominations of both the American and Republican parties.[1] Thomas was elected by a plurality of three thousand, and a majority of twenty five hundred votes over the Democratic and (Fillmore) American party candidate Edward Potter.[1] Thomas was once again sworn as the Norfolk County sheriff on January 1, 1857.[1] Thomas continued in office until January 1, 1878, winning each triennial election until he declined to run again due to failing health.[1] References
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