Thomas Clyde (businessman)

Thomas Clyde
Born	1812 Ireland
Died	January 12, 1885(1885-01-12) (aged 72–73)
Occupation(s)	Shipowner, civil engineer, marine engineer, businessman
Years active	1842–1861
Known for	Founder of the Clyde Steamship Company; first commercially built screw steamer in the United States
Notable work	Construction of the first commercially built screw steamer in the US; development of coastal steamship service between Philadelphia and New York

Thomas Clyde (1812 – January 12, 1885) was a prominent shipowner, civil and marine engineer, and the founder of the Clyde Steamship Company. He is credited with constructing the first commercially built screw steamer in the United States.

Originally from Ireland, Clyde moved to America when he was eight years old. After residing in Philadelphia, he settled in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1826. His business ventures included co-ownership of spinning mills located on Chester Creek and the Brandywine River. Additionally, he managed a quarry that provided large stone blocks for the building of the Delaware Breakwater. Clyde also served as a contractor for the James River and Kanawha Canal project in Virginia.

In 1842, he initiated a coastal steamship service connecting Philadelphia and New York, beginning with a single vessel and eventually expanding his fleet to twelve steamers. The shipping routes later grew to include ports such as Norfolk, Richmond, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., and other locations along the Atlantic coast.

Two years later, in 1844, Clyde collaborated with Swedish inventor John Ericsson and Thomas Neafie of Neafie & Levy to incorporate Ericsson's screw-propeller innovation into steamships. This partnership led to the creation of John S. McKim, recognized as the first commercially constructed twin-screw propeller steamer in America.

Between 1844 and 1861, Clyde managed his shipping enterprise, becoming the nation's largest steamship owner. His control extended over maritime routes from New York to San Francisco and included operations related to the Panama Railroad. Besides his shipping interests, he held board positions at Delaware Mutual Safety Insurance Company and Central National Bank, while also investing in railroads and real estate ventures.

His son, William Pancoast Clyde, further developed the business into what became known as the Clyde Steamship Company, significantly increasing its fleet size and expanding its service routes during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1906, ownership of the company transferred to Charles W. Morse.

Thomas Clyde was married to Rebecca Pancoast. He passed away on January 12, 1885, and was laid to rest at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.