Thomas Nickerson (ATSF)

For the castaway sailor, see Thomas Nickerson.

Thomas Nickerson
Born	(1810-09-19)September 19, 1810 Brewster, Massachusetts
Died	Newton Center, Massachusetts
Occupation	Railroad executive

Thomas Nickerson (September 19, 1810 – July 24, 1892) was the eighth president of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway between 1874 and 1880. He was also president of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.

Early life

He was born in Brewster, Massachusetts, on September 19, 1810.

Career

His family was well known for the number of sailors it had produced, and Thomas himself also sailed for nearly 30 years before he turned to land transportation. He invested in the Santa Fe around 1870, becoming the railroad's vice president in May 1873. The next year he was promoted to president of the Santa Fe, succeeding Henry Strong, where he served until 1880.

Nickerson didn't limit himself to just the Santa Fe. He was also a prominent figure in the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, Sonora Railway, California Southern Railroad and Mexican Central Railway, all subsidiary companies of the Santa Fe Railroad.

Death

Nickerson died in Newton Center, Massachusetts, on July 24, 1892.

Legacy

The town of Nickerson, Kansas, founded in 1872, is named in his honor.

Business positions
Preceded by Henry Strong	President of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway 1874 – 1880	Succeeded by T. Jefferson Coolidge
Preceded by Benjamin Kimball	President of the California Southern Railroad 1880 – 1885	Succeeded by George B. Wilbur
Preceded by Position established	President of the Mexican Central Railway 1880-August 4, 1884	Succeeded by Levi C. Wade

References

• Nickerson, transcribed by Ward, Carolyn, July 2002.