Thomas Stuart Chalmers
Thomas Stuart Chalmers | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1816 |
| Died | 1903 (aged 86–87) |
| Occupation | Businessmanm |
| Known for | Founding Fraser & Chalmers, a precursor to Allis-Chalmers |
| Spouse | Janet Telfer (married in 1840) |
| Children | 1 (William James Chalmers) |
Thomas Stuart Chalmers (June 1816 – July 13, 1903) was an American businessman. A pioneer of Chicago industry, he founded Fraser & Chalmers, a precursor to Allis-Chalmers (now part of AGCO).
Life
[edit]Chalmers was born in Dronley, Scotland, in June 1816. He emigrated to the United States around 1842 or 1843.
In 1872, Chalmers founded Fraser & Chalmers in Chicago. By 1880, the company employed over 170 workers. Frasers & Chalmers produced mining machinery, boilers, and pumps, becoming one of the largest mining manufacturing companies in the world by 1890.[1]
Chalmers was the father-in-law of Joan Pinkerton Chalmers, daughter of Allan Pinkerton and wife to his son William J. Chalmers.[2]
Chalmers died at his home at 179 Ashland Boulevard in Chicago on June 28, 1903.[3][4] The cause of death was bronchitis.[5] Following his death, his estate worth $300,000 was divided among his widow and their children. His son William J. Chalmers was the primary heir and succeeded his father as the head of Allis-Chalmers.[6]
Legacy
[edit]The Chalmers School of Excellence in Chicago is named in honor of Thomas Chalmers.[7]
Chalmers' son William served as President of Allis-Chalmers.[8]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Fraser & Chalmers". Encyclopedia of Chicago. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ↑ "MRS. WILLIAM CHALMERS; Chicago Society Leader, Noted for Her Charity Work, Dies". The New York Times. Retrieved 2026-05-08.
- ↑ "Thomas Chalmers, Pioneer, Is Dead". The Inter Ocean. Newspapers.com. 14 July 1903. p. 2. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ↑ "Chicago Pioneer Dead". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ↑ "Thomas Chalmers Dead". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ↑ "Estate Of $300,000 Left To Family". Chicago Inter Ocean. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ↑ "History". Chalmers School of Excellence. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
- ↑ "CHALMERS, WILLIAM JAMES (1852-1938)". Jane Addams Digital Collection. Retrieved 2022-10-01.
External links
[edit]- Thomas Chalmers House at 315 South Ashland Boulevard, Connecting the Windy City blog
- The Men Behind The Allis-Chalmers Brand, The Badge Factory