Rufus Hildreth Thayer (1850–1917) was, between 1909 and 1913, the judge of the United States Court for China based in Shanghai.

He also served as a Judge Advocate General of the National Guard in Washington DC.

[2] In 1909, he was appointed judge of the United States Court for China replacing Lebbeus R. Wilfley.

He served until 1913, when he resigned when investigations were begun into some of the expenses he had claimed.

[3] He was succeeded by Charles S. Lobingier Thayer died on 12 July 1917 of apoplexy in Kingston, New York.