Skip to main content Skip to search results Skip to Facets & Filters

Thayer, Henry Bates, 1858-1936

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1858 - 1936

Biography

Henry B Thayer was born on August 17, 1858 in Northfield, Vermont. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1879, and soon accepted a position as shipping clerk with Western Electric Co., Inc., in Chicago. By 1884 he had become manager of Western Electric's New York branch. In 1902, Thayer was promoted to vice-president of Western Electric, and in 1908, he became President of the company. A year later he was elected vice-president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Co. Thayer had never lost touch with Dartmouth College. In 1915 he was elected an Alumni trustee, and in 1917 became a Life trustee. During his time on the Board, the College plant acquired Baker Library, Dick Hall's House, Carpenter and Silsby Halls, and several dormitories, as well as the D.O.C. House and Sanborn English Library. Thayer's wide acquaintance in the business world helped to acquire the funds necessary to carry out these projects. In 1919, Harry Thayer was elected President of AT&T. He resigned his presidency in 1925, after 44 years in the telephone business, and became, instead, Chairman of the Board of Directors. He retired from all business in 1928, and devoted his remaining years to travel, to his homes in Connecticut and Maine, and to Dartmouth College. He resigned his trusteeship in 1935 due to ill-health; Thayer died September 4, 1936, in New Canaan, Connecticut.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Henry Thayer papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-710
MS-710
Date(s): 1875 to 1935
Abstract

Henry B. Thayer (1858-1936), business manager. Dartmouth College Class of 1879. The collection consists of papers relating to the Class of 1879 at Dartmouth College, as well as papers relating to Thayer's tenure as a trustee of the college, and his work with the American Telephone and Telegraph Company and the Western Electric Company.

Back to top