McNair, Thomas, 1790-1847.

Thomas McNair (1790-1847), a Pennsylvania merchant and ironmaster, father of Thomas Speer McNair. He was son of Thomas McNair, an Irish immigrant who settled in Hanover Township, Pa. by 1760, and Ann Wallace (1748-1793). Having served in the War of 1812, Thomas McNair, Jr. was employed at New Market Forge, first as clerk and then as acting manager. From 1825 to 1837, he was engaged in the merchandize business, with Robert Rogers and then John Hicks. In 1837, he entered into a partnership with Simon Cameron and S. F. Headley in the purchase and operation of Columbia Furnace at Foundryvile, Pa. In 1841 he purchased owned a general merchandise store in Berwick.