McNair, Thomas S. (Thomas Speer), 1824-1901

Thomas Speer McNair (1824-1901), Pennsylvania civil and mining engineer, inventor of the McNair inclined standard transit. He was born in Hanover Township, Dauphin County, Pa., son of Thomas McNair and Agnes (Nancy) Ferguson McNair. In 1847-1853, he worked as a schoolteacher in and around Hazleton, Pa. In 1853 McNair secured a position as a rod man under W. R. Maffet on the North Pennsylvania Railroad. His association and friendship with W. R. Maffet lasted until Maffet's death in 1890; McNair later acted as a sole executor of his large estate. In 1854-1868, McNair worked as a surveyor and engineer for various railroad and mining companies. In 1868-1894, he was resident engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. In 1894, McNair entered the service of the "four companies" -- the Union Improvement Company, the Highland Coal Company, the Cranberry Improvement Company, and the Black Creek Improvement Company - who owned and developed anthracite coal lands.

Thomas S. McNair was very active in local politics and charitable organizations, serving on board of numerous committees and associations. He was a member of the Luzerne County Republican Committee, and a trustee the First Presbyterian Church in Hazleton. In 1887 he was made president of the Diamond Water Company that was organized for the purpose of supplying water to the city of Hazleton, especially to the Diamond Addition of the City. McNair was also an active and enthusiastic Freemason, reaching highest ranks in the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pennsylvania, and other Masonic societies. McNair was on the original Board of Managers of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.