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In late June 1897, Thomas was appointed by President McKinley to become a U.S. district judge for Indian Territory (also known as "I.T.").<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>

In late June 1897, Thomas was appointed by President McKinley to become a U.S. district judge for Indian Territory (also known as "I.T.").<ref name=historicalsocietybio/>

During his tenure, Judge Thomas was particularly notable for prosecuting white residents who tortured and murdered [[Seminole]] Indians, ordering death sentences for the perpetrators.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/> The just rulings at the time received national attention, and also consequentially led to Thomas' unpopularity among some settlers.

During his tenure, Judge Thomas was particularly notable for refusing to hesitate in punishing white residents who tortured and murdered [[Seminole]] Indians, ordering death sentences for the perpetrators.<ref name=historicalsocietybio/> The just rulings at the time received national attention, and also consequentially led to Thomas' unpopularity among some settlers.

==References==

==References==