Lewis Thomas

Lewis Thomas (20 November 1832 – 16 February 1913) was a colliery owner and a member of both the Queensland Legislative Council and the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

Early life Thomas was born in November 1832 at Llanfihangel Genau'r Glyn, Cardiganshire, Wales to Thomas Thomas, carrier, and his wife Mary (née Hughes). At age nine he was working at a woollen factory and at fifteen was employed in the lead-mines of Esgair and Bwlch Gwyn. He moved on to working in the coal and iron mines of South Wales and in 1859 he set off to Australia.

Political career Thomas, representing the Ministerial Party, was a candidate for the seat of Bundamba at the 1893 colonial election. He easily defeated the sitting member, Thomas Glassey, and remained as the member until he decided not to stand in the 1899 election.

Three years later, Thomas was appointed by premier Robert Philp to the Queensland Legislative Council, remaining there until his death in 1913.

In 1890, Thomas built 'Brynhyfryd Mansion' at Blackstone. It was an elaborate home, three stories high and containing 49 rooms including a basement and a tower. It was built on top of a rich coal seam, and while Thomas was alive, refused to mine the coal as it would mean having to demolish his home.

Later life

Thomas died in February 1913,

After his death, his wife, daughter and her husband, continued to live in 'Brynhyfryd Mansion'. It was eventually sold in 1934 to Rylance Collieries and Brickworks who demolished the mansion in 1937 to mine the coal deposits below.