Jesse Burnham Thayer (October 1, 1845 – September 7, 1910) was an American educator and Republican politician from River Falls, Wisconsin.
[2][3] Shortly after returning from the war, Thayer re-enlisted and was enrolled in Company D of the 49th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment; he mustered back into federal service in February 1865.
The 49th Wisconsin Infantry spent their entire service in southern Illinois and eastern Missouri, protecting supply caravans.
Thayer's agitation created a public demand for education reform, which the new governor, William D. Hoard, embraced when he took office in 1889.
After the initial positive reception, the law became a political fiasco due to a provision which mandated English language instruction in classrooms.
The law was seen by Wisconsin's large immigrant community as an attempt by Nativists to eliminate their cultural heritage, and resulted it a massive backlash against Republicans at the 1890 election.
Jesse's elder sister Elizabeth was also educated at Milton College, and worked all her life as a teacher and school administrator.