James Francis Thomas

Major James Francis Thomas (25 July 1861 – 11 November 1942), was a solicitor from Tenterfield, New South Wales.

As Major Thomas, he defended Lieutenants Peter Joseph Handcock, George Ramsdale Witton, and Harry "Breaker" Morant, of the Bushveldt Carbineers (BVC) of the British Army, in their trial for the murder of nine Boer prisoners-of-war during the Second Boer War.

Education
He was educated at The King's School, Parramatta, and at the University of Sydney.

Law
He served as an articled clerk in a reputable Sydney law practice.

He was (unconditionally) admitted to practise as a solicitor on 28 May 1887.

Tenterfield Star
He was also the owner-operator of the Tenterfield Star newspaper for sixteen years, from 1898.

Death
He died on his property at Boonoo Boonoo, near Tenterfield, on Remembrance Day, 11 November 1942.