John Henry Thomas (shipping)

John Henry Thomas (1869 – May 17, 1931) was a leader in the American shipping industry, and director of the Port of New York during World War I, when he supervised supply ships.

Birth and family

John H. Thomas was born in St. Mary's County, Maryland, to Captain George Thomas (1835–1903) and Ellen Ogle (Beall) Thomas (1841–1909). His paternal grandfather was Richard Thomas (1797–1849), who served as President of the Maryland State Senate. In 1916, he married Margaret Hale (1881–1971).[1]

Career

John H. Thomas got his start in the shipping business with Furness Withy & Company at the Port of Baltimore. He relocated to New York City in 1896.[2]

During World War I, he served as civilian director of the Port of New York and New Jersey. As director, he controlled most of the docks in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New Jersey, subordinating all private business to facilitate the movement of troops and supplies to the war zone.[3]

After the war, he became vice-president of the International Mercantile Marine Company, a shipping trust founded by J. P. Morgan. Thomas was often quoted in the press as the public face for the company.[4][5][6][7][8] Due to poor health, he retired from this position on December 31, 1930.[9][10]

Death

He died in New York City on May 17, 1931, and is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery, St. Mary's, Maryland.[11][12]

Legacy

The World War II Liberty ship SS John H. Thomas, named for him, was launched on February 5, 1944.[13]

References
  1. "Marine Executive Dies". Washington Evening Star. 1931-05-18.
  2. "Mercantile Marine Official To Retire". Washington Evening Star. 1930-11-07.
  3. "Getting the Millions Overseas, America's Greatest Traffic Job". New York Sun. 1918-08-11.
  4. "British Direct German Work on Huge Liner". New York Tribune. 1921-04-02.
  5. "Wickersham Aids Foreign Ships in Rum Controversy". New York Tribune. 1921-04-02.
  6. "Furness Withy Buys 33 Ships From U.S. Firm, Tentative Agreement With International Mercantile Marine". Montreal Gazette. 1926-04-27.
  7. "Sale of U.S. Liners to I.M.M. Forecast in White Star Deal". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. 1926-04-27.
  8. "Royal Mail Buys White Star Line for $35,000,000". Indianapolis Star. 1926-11-28.
  9. "Mercantile Marine Official To Retire". Washington Evening Star. 1930-11-07.
  10. "Mercantile Marine Official Quits Post". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. 1922-10-31.
  11. "Marine Executive Dies". Washington Evening Star. 1931-05-18.
  12. "John H. Thomas, Shipping Man, Dies". Tucson Citizen. 1931-05-18.
  13. "Names Listed for 5 Richmond Ships". San Francisco Examiner. 1944-01-16.
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