Thomas Means

Thomas Williamson Means
Born	Template:Birth date Spartanburg, South Carolina, U.S.
Died	June 8, 1890(1890-06-08) (aged 86) Ashland, Kentucky, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, iron industry leader, banker
Known for	Leading entrepreneur in the iron sector throughout the Ohio River Valley; founder of Buena Vista Furnace; president of Cincinnati and Big Sandy Packet Company; founder of Bank of Ashland; president of Second National Bank of Ironton
Notable work	Buena Vista Furnace, Ohio Furnace, Princess Furnace

Thomas Williamson Means (November 3, 1803 – June 8, 1890) was a leading entrepreneur in the iron sector throughout the Ohio River Valley. Originally hailing from South Carolina, he eventually made his home in Hanging Rock, Ohio before gaining prominence in Ashland, Kentucky. Together with his brother Hugh, he established the Buena Vista Furnace and held a directorship at the Kentucky Coal, Iron & Manufacturing Company. Means possessed ownership interests in furnaces located in Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, and Virginia. He was also the father of John Means, who served as mayor of Ashland.

Early life and family background

Thomas’ grandfather, William Means, initially settled in Juniata County, Pennsylvania prior to moving to South Carolina. Multiple relatives participated in the American Revolution. His father, Colonel John Means of Union District, South Carolina, emancipated his slaves and relocated to Ohio in 1819 to raise his children in free states, choosing Adams County as their new home. Thomas’ mother, Ann Williamson, was descended from a family related to Sir Isaac Newton.

Born on November 3, 1803, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Thomas began his commercial endeavors during the construction phase of the Union Furnace and was honored by being the first to "fire" it.

Business career

In 1837, Means partnered with David Sinton to purchase the Union Furnace, which they rebuilt in 1844. The following year they added the Ohio Furnace in Scioto County adjacent to their existing operations. In 1847, Means constructed Buena Vista Furnace in Kentucky. Notably, the Ohio Furnace became the first charcoal furnace in the United States capable of producing up to ten tons daily and averaging over fifteen tons.

Means expanded his holdings by acquiring Bellefontaine Furnace in Kentucky in 1852; co-owning and establishing Vinton Furnace in Ohio by 1854; purchasing Pine Grove Furnace and Hanging Rock Coal Works in 1863; and acquiring Amanda Furnace in Kentucky with partners in 1864.

In 1853, alongside prominent individuals such as members of the Poage family and Levi Hampton, Means participated in securing 1,500 acres for the Kentucky Coal, Iron & Manufacturing Company.

Means and Sinton were innovators of hot blast technology at Union Furnace, installing what became the second hot blast furnace built in the United States. In 1860, Means introduced the Davis hot blast system at Ohio Furnace, which marked a significant advancement for charcoal furnace operations nationwide. He founded and served as inaugural president of the Cincinnati and Big Sandy Packet Company and established the Bank of Ashland. Additionally, he was instrumental in founding and presiding over the Second National Bank of Ironton after its inception in 1864. Means held major stock positions as a principal shareholder of Norton Iron Works and as a substantial owner of Ironton Iron Railroad stock.

By the late 1860s, together with his son John, Means was engaged with the Cincinnati, Portsmouth, Big Sandy & Pomeroy Packet Company that operated a fleet of large packets and towboats—one vessel bearing his name: Thomas W. Means.

During 1876–77, Means constructed Princess Furnace in Boyd County, Kentucky—an iron-jacketed furnace powered by stone coal—after nearby Buena Vista Furnace depleted its charcoal-producing timber resources spanning some 6,000 acres.

Personal life and death

Thomas Means married Sarah Ellison from Buckeye Station, Ohio on December 4, 1828. She died at age sixty-one in their Hanging Rock residence in 1881.

In 1882, Means moved to Ashland, Kentucky, where he remained until passing away on June 8, 1890. Renowned for his business expertise and integrity, he amassed considerable wealth through iron smelting and manufacturing ventures. At his death, he was acknowledged by Roswell G. Horr in 1892 as one of only twenty-two "American Millionaires" residing in Kentucky.