Lewis Thomas, the man they called the “Coal King”, didn’t just mine coal, he built a legacy that shaped Blackstone and Ipswich. Arriving from Wales in 1859, he transformed a fledgling industry into an economic powerhouse, driving the region’s growth, shaping its infrastructure, and leaving a cultural imprint that still lingers today. His impact stretched beyond the mines, influencing the lives of workers, businesses and the Welsh community that thrived in his wake.

Born in 1832 in Tanyrallt, Llanfihangel Genau’r Glyn, Cardiganshire (now Ceredigion), Wales, Thomas initially worked in railway construction when he arrived in Ipswich before venturing into the coal industry.

Partnering with solicitor John Malbon Thompson, Thomas established a coal mine, later buying out his partner to take full control. He began mining the Aberdare seam at Blackstone, marking the beginning of his successful coal mining operations.

Coal was discovered south of the Blackstone township in 1866, the year after the Ipswich to Grandchester railway opened. The railway created a ready market for coal, while the region’s steep terrain allowed tunnels to be driven into hillsides, enabling efficient extraction and transport. Thomas played a crucial role in developing large-scale coal mining in the region, implementing structured excavation methods that increased production capacity. His operations quickly expanded, earning him the title of “West Moreton Coal King”.

Early coal mining relied on manual labour, with miners using picks and steel wedges to extract coal. Roof collapses were a constant threat, requiring careful tunnel support with timber. Explosives were used sparingly due to their destabilising effects. A major advancement came in 1886 when Blackstone’s first coal shaft was sunk to a depth of 600 feet, enabling access to deeper, more abundant coal seams.

Mining attracted a significant Welsh immigrant population, forming a tight-knit community that preserved Welsh traditions. These immigrants provided a skilled workforce and helped establish institutions such as the United Welsh Church and the Cambrian Choir, which played a central role in the area’s cultural life. Thomas contributed to this by donating land for the church in 1886. It became a hub for social gatherings, including the first Welsh eisteddfod on New Year’s Day 1887, which later evolved into the Queensland Eisteddfod.

The mining boom also stimulated local businesses and infrastructure. Blacksmiths, carpenters and shopkeepers thrived as demand for goods and services increased. A loop railway, built in 1904 from Redbank to Bundamba, allowed direct coal transport to Ipswich wharf facilities on the Bremer River, reducing reliance on slower carting methods. By 1900, over three-quarters of Ipswich’s coal came from Bundamba, reinforcing the region’s dominance in Queensland’s coal industry.

Thomas was known for his generosity towards his workers. During a labour strike, when the British India Steam Navigation Company gifted him a £200 cheque for fulfilling coal orders despite disruptions, he matched it with £250 of his own money and distributed the total among his workers. Each miner received £2, day workers £1 10s., and boys £1 – a significant gesture of goodwill. In today’s terms, this equates to approximately £71 ($135 AUD) per miner, £53 ($101 AUD) per day worker, and £36 ($67 AUD) per boy.

His philanthropy extended beyond the mines.

In 1896, he funded a seaside excursion for schoolchildren and teachers from multiple state schools, covering all travel expenses. At a time when many families could not afford such outings, this trip provided a rare experience of the ocean, which was widely appreciated by the community.

Thomas also valued education. When Blackstone School opened in 1887, many Welsh families requested a bilingual headmaster, but the government refused, enforcing an English only policy. This posed challenges for children who spoke Welsh at home, highlighting the struggles migrant communities faced in accessing equitable education. Beyond Blackstone, Thomas supported scholarships at Ipswich grammar schools and funded the Lewis Thomas Scholarship at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, for students from his birthplace. During a visit to Wales around 1905, he donated £1000 to Aberystwyth University to establish a scholarship.

Thomas’s wealth enabled him to invest in significant community projects. In 1891, he built Brynhyfryd, a grand three-storey mansion on Blackstone Hill. Designed by architect G. B. Gill, it featured a tower, ornate verandas, an advanced electric plant, a hydraulic lift, and 32 rooms. The mansion became a social and cultural hub, hosting grand garden parties attended by Ipswich’s elite and figures such as Lord Lamington, the then Governor of Queensland. Its elevated position provided sweeping views of the Ipswich coalfields, reinforcing its status as a landmark of prosperity. However, in 1936, Rylance Collieries purchased the land, and the mansion was demolished to access the coal beneath, marking the end of an era.

Several mining ventures in Blackstone faced financial struggles due to fluctuating demand and mismanagement. A co-operative company took over Thomas’s mine but failed due to poor financial planning and lack of investment. Eventually, Walkers Brothers acquired the lease, stabilising operations. Despite these setbacks, Thomas’s mining practices and investments laid the foundation for future advancements in Queensland’s coal industry.

Lewis Thomas passed away in 1913 at the age of 80. His contributions to Queensland’s mining industry and his generosity towards his employees and the wider community left a lasting mark. After his death, his widow remained at Brynhyfryd until her passing. The mansion then stood vacant until its demolition for coal mining operations.

For further research, detailed insights into Thomas’s life and contributions can be found in the Ipswich Heritage Education Kit by Robyn Buchanan, the Queensland Places archives, and historical newspaper records from The Telegraph (1890) and Queensland Times (1896, 1936). Additional sources include The Cambrian Choir History, the Australian Dictionary of Biography, and Thomas’s Wikipedia entry. Visual and archival materials from Picture Ipswich also provide a deeper look into his era and influence.