Samuel Richard Thayer (December 12, 1837 – January 7, 1909) was an American attorney and diplomat who served as United States Ambassador to the Netherlands.
Early life Thayer was born in Richmond, New York, on December 12, 1837. He was the son of George Thayer (1807–1900), a constable, farmer and store owner, and Phebe Lorenda (née Wood) Thayer (1813–1873).
He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York, in 1860 and taught school for two years. He then relocated to Minneapolis, Minnesota, studied law with Francis R. E. Cornell, attained admission to the bar, and established a practice in Minneapolis.John William Leonard, Albert Nelson Marquis, Who's Who in America, Volume 3, 1903, page 1469Minnesota Historical Society, Collections of the Minnesota Historical Society, Volume 15, 1915, pages 804 to 805
Career A Republican, Thayer was interested in higher education and served as a member of the Minnesota State Normal School Board from 1873 to 1877.James Grant Wilson, John Fiske, Appleton's Cyclopædia of American Biography, Volume 7, 1901, page 262
On March 19, 1889 President Benjamin Harrison appointed Thayer to succeed Robert Barnwell Roosevelt as Ambassador to the Netherlands. Thayer served until 1893 when he was succeeded by William Emory Quinby.Andrew Van Vranken Raymond, Union University: Its History, Influence, Characteristics and Equipment, Volume 2, 1907, page 145
Besides maintaining a thriving law practice, Thayer was a successful businessman, including profitable investments in Minnesota real estate, and he made substantial donations to normal schools and colleges throughout the state. In 1892, he received an honorary LL.D. degree from Union College.Hudson-Fulton Celebration Commission, Official Minutes, 1909, page 751 Later in his career he maintained homes and offices in both Minneapolis and New York City.
Personal life Thayer died in Rochester, New York, on January 7, 1909, while visiting his brother.New York Times, Samuel R. Thayer Dead, January 8, 1909 He was buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Rochester.
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