Robert Means Thompson facts for kids
Robert Means Thompson (born March 2, 1849 – died September 5, 1930) was an important American. He was a United States Navy officer, a very successful businessman, and someone who loved to help others. He even led the American team for the Olympic Games. A Navy ship, the destroyer USS Thompson (DD-627), was named after him.
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Robert Means Thompson was born in Corsica, Pennsylvania. He joined the United States Naval Academy in 1864. He was a good student, graduating tenth in his class in 1868.
After graduating, Thompson served on several Navy ships. He sailed in the West Indies and the Mediterranean Sea. He worked at the Naval Torpedo Station in Newport, Rhode Island. In 1871, he left the Navy to study law.
From Law to Business Success
Thompson first studied law with his brother. He then went to Harvard Law School and finished in 1874. He worked as a lawyer in Boston for a few years.
Later, he became very interested in mining and smelting (which is how metals are taken from rocks). This is where he made his fortune. He became the president of a company called Orford Copper. This company later joined with another to form the International Nickel Company of Canada. Thompson became the chairman of this big company.
Robert Means Thompson loved sports and supported the Navy. He helped create the Navy Athletic Association. He also donated the Thompson Cup. This cup is given to the winner of the yearly Army–Navy Game, a famous football game.
His interest in sports grew to include the Olympic Games. He was the president of the American Olympic Association twice. He led the American team for the 1912 Summer Olympics and again for the 1924 games. In 1912, he also became president of the New York Athletic Club.
Thompson also helped organize the New York group for people who graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He was their first president.
Honors and Legacy
Thompson was also the president of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. This group works on designing and building ships. He also led the Navy League, which supports the Navy.
He visited Japan at the invitation of their government. The Emperor of Japan gave him a special award called the Order of the Rising Sun. He also received awards from the governments of Sweden and France.
Robert Means Thompson was married to Sarah Gibbs. They had one daughter, Sarah Gibbs Thompson. He passed away in 1930 while visiting his daughter. His memorial service was held at the United States Naval Academy. He is buried with his wife in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.
