Thomas Howe Scanlan

Thomas Howe Scanlan (November 10, 1832 – July 9, 1906) was a mayor of Houston, Texas. He supported the Union during Reconstruction, and was installed as an alderman and mayor during that period. As well as investing in real estate, he owned stakes in local companies, including rail transportation and utilities.

Early life and family Thomas Howe Scanlan was born on November 10, 1832, in Castle Mahon, County Limerick, Ireland. He moved to New York at the age of seven. Scanlan married Harmena Ebert on April 28, 1861. They raised seven daughters who survived into adulthood.

Scanlan advocated for the purchase of lands for three parks, later indebting the city by constructing a City Hall and Market House in 1872.

Scanlan invested in rail ventures, including the Texas Western Railroad and an early streetcar enterprise, the Bayou City Street Railway Company. His business activities included utility companies, such as the Houston Water Works Company and the Houston Gas Company, where he served as vice-president. He was Houston Postmaster General from 1875 through 1879.