Thacher, John Boyd Scrapbooks

Biographical Note:

John Boyd Thacher was born in Ballston, New York, September 11, 1847.  He graduated from Williams College in 1869 and settled in Albany, New York, where he became active in his father's business, the Thacher Car Wheel Works, which was one of the leading industries in Albany at the time. When his father died in 1887, John and his brother George became proprietors of the business.

Thacher also became interested in politics and public affaires, and was actively involved in the Democratic Party.  He was elected to the New York State Senate in 1883 and then was elected mayor of Albany, serving from May 4, 1886, to April 20, 1888, and again from January 1, 1896 to December 31, 1897. In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison, a Republican, appointed Thacher to serve on a committee of the World's Columbian Exposition.  He died in Albany, February 25, 1909.

Scope and Content Note:

This collection of scrapbooks which Thacher compiled relative to his interest and career in politics and government are comprised chiefly of newspaper clippings, but also include printed broadsides, circulars, leaflets, and booklets. The content of the material relates mostly to politics and government in Albany and New York State. Two of the volumes concern special events: the World Columbian Exposition in 1893, and the 1897 centenary celebration of Albany as the capital of New York State.

Box and Volume List: