Thomas A. Mathis was born on 7. Jun. 1869 at New Gretna, Burlington County, New Jersey. He was the son of
Alfred H. Mathis and
Abigail Loveland. Thomas A. Mathis married
Helen Steelman, daughter of
William S. Steelman and
Eliza C. (Unknown), on 15. Mar. 1897 at Tuckerton, Ocean County, New Jersey.
Thomas A. Mathis and
Helen Steelman appeared on the census of 4. Jun. 1900 at with her parents, Tuckerton, Ocean County, New Jersey; 1 child, 1 living. Thomas A. Mathis was shown in the census on 4. Jun. 1900 as a captain of yacht. Thomas A. Mathis was shown in the census on 16. Apr. 1910 as a Senator, Ocean County.
Thomas A. Mathis and
Helen Steelman appeared on the census of 16. Apr. 1910 at Dover Twp., Ocean County, New Jersey; 1 child, 1 living.
Thomas A. Mathis and
Helen Steelman appeared on the census of 25. Mar. 1920 at with her sister Edna, Dover Twp., Ocean County, New Jersey. Thomas A. Mathis was shown in the census on 25. Mar. 1920 as a merchant, auto. Thomas A. Mathis was shown in the census on 17. Apr. 1930 as a broker, real estate and insurance.
Thomas A. Mathis and
Helen Steelman appeared on the census of 17. Apr. 1930 at Tom's River, Dover Twp., Ocean County, New Jersey; real estate value 10,000.00. Thomas A. Mathis died on 18. May. 1958 at age 88.
Thomas A. Mathis-The powers a man develops in following his calling, when not superficial, develop in him also certain permanent qualities of character that stand him in good stead, becoming assets at his command, and if he changes his occupation they may be called and relied on to serve him faithfully, in accordance to the degree in which he has made them into faculty. Master mariner for many years, Thomas A. Mathis, since giving up the following of the sea, has been as successful in his chosen land occupation as in his original field, the faculties he built into himself having become as a light the he focuses where he will.
Mr. Mathis was born June 7, 1869, at New Gretna, Burlington County, New Jersey, the son of Alfred H. and Abigail (Loveland) Mathis, his father being a sea captain. He was educated in the public schools of New Gretna, and upon leaving school, at the age of sixteen years, went to sea, following this calling from 1885-1915, during which time he rose until he became a master mariner, and today holds a commission that permits him to sail any vessel afloat, whether steam or sail. Since his return from the sea in 1915, Mr. Mathis has been in the automobile business and has also been active in politics. At present he is in charge of the Thomas A. Mathis Authorized Ford & Fordson Sales and Service, at Toms River, New Jersey, a plant having a capacity of service for the Ford cars, trucks, Fordson tractors, and Lincoln cars, which under his able direction is doing a very successful business. He is a director of the First National Bank, of Beach Haven, and of the Toms River Building and Loan Association.
In politics Mr. Mathis is a Republican, and at present is serving his third term as a State Senator from Ocean County. He has also served as councilman of the borough of Tuckerton, and was a member of the State Board of Pilot Commissioners. While a member of the Borough Council of Tuckerton, he was a prime mover in building of docks along the Tuckerton Creek, personally supervising the work. He was an active member of the Tuckerton Creek Improvement Committee, and it was in large measure due to his untiring efforts that the United States Government made an appropriation that was expended in good measure for the improvement of that waterway. He also served as a member of the Little Egg Harbor Improvement Association, and was instrumental in securing improved lighthouse and Buoy service at the inlet. For many years he was assistant chief of the Tuckerton Fire Department. Mr. Mathis is a member of the Tuckerton Lodge, No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons; of the Knights Templar, in Asbury Park; of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in Camden, New Jersey; and of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, through Trenton Lodge, New Jersey; Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in Tuckerton; Junior Order United American Mechanics, in Toms River; Knights of Pythias; Benevolent and Protective order of Elks, Lakewood Lodge, No. 1432; and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. He is rear commodore of Little Egg Harbor Yacht Club of Beach Haven; a member of the Manufacturers' Club of Philadelphia, the Shrine Club, Keystone Automobile Club, Lu Lu Country Club, Yachtsman's Club, all of Philadelphia; Toms River Yacht Club, and the Beach Haven Yacht Club. In his church affiliation Mr. Mathis is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Tuckerton, New Jersey.
Mr. Mathis married, March 15, 1897 at Tuckerton, New Jersey, Helen S. Stellman, daughter of William S, and Eliza (Stellman) Stellman, and they are the parents of a son, William Stellman Mathis, born December 1, 1898
South Jersey: a history, 1664-1924.