Thomas W. Hyde
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Thomas W. Hyde (1841-1899) was a Union Army general in the American Civil War, a state senator from Maine, and the founder of Bath Iron Works, one of the major shipyards in the United States.
[edit] Life and Career
Born in Florence, Italy, Hyde graduated from Bowdoin College in 1861 and then from Chicago University. Starting as a major of a company of the Seventh Maine Infantry, Hyde rose through the army ranks, ultimately becoming a brigadier general in 1865. Serving under General John Sedgwick, he was present at several key Civil War battles, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Battle of Antietam, after which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was also present at General Robert E. Lee's 1865 surrender.
Starting in 1873, Hyde served three terms in the Maine Senate, including two as president. He became mayor of Bath in 1878.
In 1884, he founded Bath Iron Works and became general manager of it in 1888. The shipyard has executed more than 425 shipbuilding contracts, including 245 for the U.S. Navy.
