Thomas Wren Ward (1786-1858)
U.S. Agent for Baring Brothers; Treasurer of Harvard University
He was born at Salem, Massachusetts. Initially, he followed his father's career and became a merchant mariner with command of his own ship at the age of just 19. He then moved to New York where for a brief period he set up a business with Jonathan Goodhue, of Boston. After his marriage to Lydia Gray in 1810, he moved to Boston and set himself up in the import-export business. In 1830, aided by his friend Josiah Bates who was a partner of the Baring Brothers Bank, Ward became their agent in America, a position he retained until 1853. He was essential in helping the Baring Bank get through the financial crisis of 1837-42, and for retaining Daniel Webster as the firm's legal counsel. On retiring, his sons Samuel and John assumed the duties of the Baring's agency. Ward was Treasurer of Harvard College (1830-1842) and Treasurer of the Boston Athenaeum (1828-1836). He and his wife were the parents of eight children.
