Over time, he became shop foreman of the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, president of the Journeymen Horseshoers' National Union of the United States of America, a delegate to the Brooklyn Central Labor Union, and a delegate to the District Assembly No.
[2] A Democrat, he was elected in 1889 to the New York State Assembly, representing the Kings County 10th District.
[7] In December 1915, Thomas was made undersheriff, a position he held for the remainder of his life.
[10] Thomas was married to Rose Gillen, and they had two daughters, Beatrice and Agnes.
Thomas was a member of several organizations, including the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Montauk Club.