Elisha Dyer IV (1862-1917)
of New York & Newport, Rhode Island
He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, the son and grandson of men who both served as Governor of Rhode Island. He graduated from Brown University and Columbia Law School, becoming a private banker and broker in New York City. He built Wayside in Newport and was an important member of Mrs. Astor's "Four Hundred" and particularly popular with Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish. He was not only considered the best dressed man in Newport, but he was also recognized as society's most accomplished dancer, leading the intricate cotillions and balls at Mrs. Astor's elaborate entertainments. He is credited as having introduced Harry Lehr to Newport. While travelling from Providence to Newport he caught a cold which developed into pneumonia and he died at Wayside. Although he and his wife died without children of their own, he was stepfather to his wife's daughter by her first marriage, Mrs. Laura (Swan) Robeson.
