William Thomas (politician)

For other people of the same name, see William Thomas (disambiguation).

William Thomas (1785 in Dartmouth, Devon, England – November 5, 1863 at Huyton, England) was a merchant and politician. Thomas was elected to the House of Assembly representing the district of St. John's on the first general election held in Newfoundland in 1832.

Thomas was active in the effort to earn Newfoundland its own parliament and was appointed to the committee "to petition his majesty for a legislature." He also was active in the concerns of the poor, serving on numerous committees to help improve their condition, including work on a commission to assign work to those on welfare.

He came to Newfoundland in 1801 and entered business in partnership with his brother Henry. Thomas was named to the Executive Council in 1833. He returned to England around 1850.

See also

• List of people of Newfoundland and Labrador

References

• Cuff, Robert H (1990). Dictionary of Newfoundland and Labrador Biography. ISBN 0-921191-51-0. 
• Matthews, Keith (1832). Memorial University of Newfoundland Files. 
• Prowse, D.W. (1895). History of Newfoundland.