[6] As Mayor, he ushered in the city's first paved streets, sidewalks, sewers, and electric lights.

When, in 1923, Gainesville's then mayor and police chief condoned criminal activity by the Ku Klux Klan, Thomas wrote an editorial calling for both men to resign.

Contemporary commentators have attributed this to Major Thomas’ willingness to publicly stand against those who supported the Klan.

[9] Thomas was an active businessman owning banks and hardware, livery and stable, and grocery businesses.

[15] Major Thomas’ most lasting accomplishment was securing Gainesville as the home of the University of Florida.