Henry M. Dawes
Henry May Dawes | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Marietta, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | September 29, 1952 (aged 75) Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, businessman |
| Years active | 1905–1952 |
| Known for | United States Comptroller of the Currency (1923–1924), President of Pure Oil Company (1924–1952) |
Henry May Dawes (April 22, 1877 – September 29, 1952) was a distinguished American banker and businessman hailing from a notable Ohio lineage. He held the position of United States Comptroller of the Currency between 1923 and 1924, subsequently advancing to a leadership role within the oil sector.
Dawes was born in Marietta, Ohio, as the youngest child of Brevet Brigadier General Rufus R. Dawes and traced his ancestry back to William Dawes, a celebrated figure of the American Revolution. His siblings Charles, Rufus, and Beman also gained recognition at the national level for their contributions to politics and commerce. He completed his studies at Marietta College and entered into marriage with Helen Moore Curtis in 1905.
An established banker and entrepreneur based in Illinois, Dawes received his appointment as Comptroller from President Warren G. Harding in 1923. Throughout his 19-month service, he spearheaded a comprehensive initiative to gather feedback from national banking officials and industry specialists regarding reforms in banking legislation. Collaborating with a volunteer panel of bankers, he formulated proposals that were forwarded to Congress. These efforts played a significant role in shaping the McFadden Act, which was enacted during the tenure of his successor.
Following his government service, Dawes assumed the presidency of Pure Oil Company, a role he maintained from 1924 until 1952. In 1936, he and fellow executives faced indictment under allegations of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act; however, they were ultimately acquitted. Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Dawes remained active in civic affairs, serving as Program Committee Chair and board member of the Economic Club of Chicago alongside his brother Rufus. He passed away in Evanston, Illinois, in 1952.
Notably, former Fox News personality Bill Schulz is a great-grandson of Henry Dawes.