Robert H. Sayre

Robert Heysham Sayre was born on October 13, 1824, on the Kent family farm near Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania. His parents were William Heysham Sayre and Elizabeth Kent. In 1828, the family relocated to Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, now known as Jim Thorpe, where Sayre worked as a lockmaster for the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company. His early interests in construction and civil engineering were noted during his formative years.

Sayre's initial engineering work involved efforts on the Morris Canal in New Jersey. He also participated in surveys and the construction of the Mauch Chunk Switchback Railway. In 1854, he was appointed chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, overseeing its extension through Pennsylvania and into New York State in the northern and western directions.

He was a founder of Bethlehem Iron Company, the predecessor to Bethlehem Steel. Between 1861 and 1863, Sayre was responsible for designing and constructing the company's first iron works. His position within the company culminated in his becoming vice president of Bethlehem Iron Works in 1891.

Sayre resided in a large house in Bethlehem from 1858 until his death. This residence is now known as the Sayre Mansion and is operated as a bed-and-breakfast establishment. He served as vice president and chief engineer of the Lehigh Valley Railroad during his career.

Throughout his life, Sayre was involved in philanthropic activities. He served as a trustee of St. Luke's Hospital and was a charter trustee of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In 1868, he donated $5,000 to support the development of Sayre Observatory at Lehigh University.

The borough of Sayre, Pennsylvania, and the small city of Sayre, Oklahoma, are named in his honor. Robert Heysham Sayre died on January 4, 1907.