Thomas W. Hyde (1841-1899) was the founder of what is now Bath Iron Works. He graduated with the Bowdoin College class of 1861 and later from the University of Chicago.
A Civil War Brigadier General, Thomas Worcester Hyde was involved in several key battles of the conflict, and was recognized by the U.S. Congress with a medal for exceptional bravery.
Hyde was active in local and state politics. In 1875 he was elected to the State Senate from Sagadahoc County for three terms, during the last of which he served as President of the Senate. While in the State Senate he also served as Mayor of Bath in 1876 and 1877.
He was a member of the first board of trustees for the Bath Military and Naval Orphan’s Asylum, also known as the “Children’s Home” and “Orphan’s Home.” The institution is now closed.
Hyde leased the Bath Iron Foundry, which soon became Bath Iron works, of which he was General Manager beginning in 1888.
Additional resources
“Thomas W. Hyde, Bath” Maine Historical Society. Maine Memory Network. Image and text from his “Carte de visite” (visiting card) about 1876, courtesy of the Maine State Archives. https://www.mainememory.net/artifact/22021 (Accessed January 8, 2019)
“Gen Thomas W. Hyde Dead.” (Obituary) New York Times. November 15, 1899. https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1899/11/15/100457828.pdf (Accessed January 8, 2019)
“History of Institutions.” MAINE ORPHANS NOT FORGOTTEN. 2014. http://www.maineorphans.com/History-of-Institutions.html. (Accessed January 8, 2019)