James Thomas became the first Lord Mayor of Leicester during his term of office as Mayor
1927
(470)
(Corporate Accountant).
Son of John Thomas formerly of West Bromwich, Staffs., and a gentleman of Cornish descent; born at West Bromwich 31 March 1858, educated at the private seminary of the late Dr. Hunter of Wolverhampton. At the early age of sixteen he entered the Civil Service. Came to Leic. as a young man and was for a time in the service of the late Sir Thomas Wright, solicitor; Fellow of the Corporation of Accountants, Public Auditor for Great Britain appointed by the Treasury, Fellow of the National Association of Auctioneers, House Agents, Rating Surveyors and Valuers, and is an Honorary Member of the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants.
Mr. Thomas entered the council 1 November 1908 as one of the representatives for Aylestone Ward in the conservative interest, elected an alderman 5 April 1921, still retaining his seat, and was appointed a Justice of the Peace for the city in 1929. He married in 1881 Mary Jane Seale of Leic. and has issue, one son and three daughters. During his mayoralty the Duke and Duchess of York visited Leic. 1 June 1928.
LORD MAYORS OF LEICESTER' since 1928.
Another event of great importance took place during the year of office of Ald. Thomas. By Royal Commission of His Majesty King George V and by Letters Patent bearing date 19 July 1928, Ald. James Thomas, the four hundred and seventieth individual Mayor, since the time of William fil. Leveric alderman in 1209, was created the first LORD MAYOR OF LEICESTER, the title "City" having previously been restored to the town in 1919.
Arms of Thomas:-Argent, a fesse dancettée gules between three Cornish choughs rising proper. Crest: A Cornish chough rising proper between two spears erect or. Motto: - PRO PATRlA ET REGE.
Residence 1935: Portland Road, Leic.
