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Sefton (Thomas W.) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10129
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Thomas W. Sefton Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10129
Physical Description:
0.43 Cubic Feet
1 box, 10” x 5” x 15”.
Date (inclusive): 1917-2006
Abstract: Thomas W. Sefton was in the US Air Corps and President at the San Diego Bank and Trust.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Thomas W. Sefton, born on October 8, 1917 in New York City New York city. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by Helen
and Joseph W. Sefton. Thomas was then raised in the city of San Diego, California and resided in Point Loma suburbs. After
graduating high school, Thomas started to accumulate flying hours at Speer Field with small planes. By 1938, Thomas started
working at the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank where his father was President. He was a messenger until 1941 until he relocated
at a near-by aviation plant. In 1942, Thomas left the aviation plant to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He trained for many
months across California and neighboring states until he was assigned to a carrier, which was sent to Italy, on assignment
in the Mediterranean. He was honorably discharged in July 1946, having achieved the rank of Captain.
When Thomas returned to San Diego, he resumed working at the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank as the President’s assistant.
He then married to Donna Knox, daughter of then San Diego City Mayor Harley E. Knox on April 15, 1951. The couple had two
children: Laurie Jo Sefton born on April 5, 1952 and Harley Knox Sefton born on November 17, 1953. Both children are still
residents of San Diego. Thomas became President of the family operated bank after his father retired. During his time as bank
president, he maintained a growth of 1.4 billion dollars in assets over 53 branches. He has been awarded with titles such
as Mr. San Diego (1972), and Executive of the Year (1961). Since his death in 2006, his family still runs San Diego Trust
and Savings.
This collection consists of 1 box, 10” x 5” x 15”. In this collection, there are a variety of documents including personal
memorabilia. Of note, there are documents to and from Thomas W. Sefton regarding his work in the US Air Corps and this job
as a President at the San Diego Bank and Trust. There are approximately 15 folders regarding his work and personal life.
Secondary Sources:
For more information on Thomas W. Sefton go to http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/v53-1/pdf/2007-1_sefton.pdf and http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-23/business/fi-1133_1_san-diego-trust.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
San Diego Trust and Savings Bank
San Diego (California)
Smithsonian Institution, National Space and Air Museum
United States. Army. Air Corps
Sefton, Thomas W.