Robert Means Thompson

Robert Means Thompson (2 March 1849 – 5 September 1930) was a United States Navy officer, business magnate, philanthropist and a president of the American Olympic Association.

He later served in Franklin, Richmond, and Guard of the Mediterranean Squadron; as well as in USS Wachusett and at the Naval Torpedo Station, Newport, Rhode Island.

[3] Commissioned ensign on 19 April 1869, and promoted to master on 12 July 1870, he resigned from the Navy on 18 November 1871, to study law in his brother's office.

[3] He became president of Orford Copper and Nickel Company,[4] and it was at his refinery in Constable Hook[5] New Jersey where he earned Canadian patent 44723A,[inappropriate external link?]

[7] In March 1878 Eustis, Thompson, Robert Gilmour Leckie, Charles C. Colby and Walter W. Beckett established the Orford Nickel and Copper Company in Quebec.

[2] He died while visiting his daughter and her husband, Stephen Hyatt Pell, at Fort Ticonderoga, New York, the commencement of the historic restored fortress being funded by his personal fortune in 1909.

[12] His memorial service was held at the chapel of the United States Naval Academy and he is buried with his wife in the churchyard of St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.