Thomas Dickson (industrialist)

Thomas Dickson (1822–1884) was an American industrialist who manufactured steam engines, boilers and locomotives, as well as the President of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad.

Thomas Dickson was born in Lauder, Scotland on March 26, 1822. He died in Morristown, New Jersey, on July 31, 1884.

Dickson and his family immigrated to Nova Scotia in 1835. By 1838, Dickson's family moved to Carbondale, Pennsylvania, where Thomas enrolled in school.

In 1852, Thomas Dickson joined family members and friends in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where they opened a small machine shop and foundry under the name of "Dickson & Co". In 1862, The company incorporated as the Dickson Manufacturing Company. Thomas was president from 1856 though 1867.

In 1860, Dickson began working for Delaware and Hudson Canal Company as the superintendent of coal. He quickly rose through the ranks and in 1869, Dickson became president of the Delaware and Hudson Railroad. He remained in the position until his death in 1884.

It is mentioned that Dickson was listed as the director for at least 24 companies during his life.

The borough of Dickson City, Pennsylvania, is named after Thomas Dickson.

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