John Thayer (Massachusetts representative)

For other persons of the same name, see John Thayer.

John Randolph Thayer
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 3rd district
In office March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1905
Preceded by	Joseph H. Walker
Succeeded by	Rockwood Hoar

Born	March 9, 1845 Douglas, Massachusetts
Died	December 19, 1916 Worcester, Massachusetts
Political party	Democratic

John Randolph Thayer (9 March 1845—19 December 1916) was a representative from Massachusetts. He was born in Douglas, Massachusetts and attended the common schools and Nichols Academy in Dudley. Thayer graduated from Yale College in 1869 where he studied law. He was admitted to the bar in 1871 and commenced practice in Worcester, Massachusetts. There, he served on the city council from 1874-1876 and was elected an alderman from 1878-1880.

After unsuccessfully running for district attorney in 1876, he was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1880 and 1881. He then ran for mayor of Worcester in 1886 without winning. He did serve in the State Senate from 1890 to 1891. After losing an election in 1892 to the 53rd United States Congress he was elected as a Democrat to the 56th, 57th, and 58th Congresses, serving from 4 March 1899 until 3 March 1905). Thayer did not seek reelection in 1904 but resumed his law practice in Worcester. He died there on 19 December 1916 and was buried at the Rural Cemetery.

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Preceded by Joseph H. Walker	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts's 3rd congressional district March 4, 1899 – March 3, 1905	Succeeded by Rockwood Hoar