Thomas Doremus Messler

Background

Thomas Doremus Messler was the first son of Rev. Abraham Messler and Elma (Doremus) Messler. He was of Dutch ancestry on both sides, his paternal ancestor, Jan Adamsen Metsalaer, having settled in New Netherland about 1649.

Education

Messler was educated at the Somerville Academy.

Career

Messler spent three years (1849 - 52) in a wholesale dry-goods house in New York City, then entered the auditor's office of the New York & Erie Railroad Company, now the Erie Railroad. In 1856 he became secretary and auditor at Pittsburgh of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company, whose line was then being completed between Pittsburgh and Chicago. He at once found that his department, like other railway departments of that time, was conducted with but little method and exactness. He thereupon evolved a system of railroad accounting having for its object simplicity, comprehensiveness, and classification, a system which subsequently became generally known as the "Messler System. " The principal object of this system was to consolidate in one department a uniform classification of revenues, expenses and operating statistics. The plan was outlined in the first annual report (1857) which Messler, as auditor, submitted to the president of the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway Company. This system of accounts and statistics was carried out by the accounting department, the freight and passenger transportation departments, the treasurer of the company, and the general department, whose records and reports were interrelated. The chief accounting officer was made responsible for collecting all accounts due the company, and for making settlements with other companies. All operating expenses were classified, and a system of checks and balances was maintained, to furnish an accurate record of all transactions. The report was a model for its day, and many of its features have become standard practices in the uniform railway accounting system of today. Messler continued with the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway until July 1869, when it was leased to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. At this time, by successive promotions, he had become assistant to the president. He was made comptroller of the Pennsylvania in 1871, and was promoted in 1876 to third vice-president. He was also chief executive officer of several auxiliary corporations controlled by the Pennsylvania company in the interest of the Pennsylvania Railroad. At his death, which occurred at Cresson, Pennsylvania, his total railroad service had covered a period of forty-one years.

Achievements

• Messler sometimes regarded as the founder of the modern system of railway accounting was born in Somerville, New Jersey.

Connections

Messler was married on June 3, 1857, to Maria Remsen Varick of Poughkeepsie, New York. They had three sons, one of whom died in infancy.

Father:

Abraham Messler

15 November 1800 - 12 June 1882

Mother:

Elma Doremus Messler

21 June 1806 - 4 March 1895

Brother:

Henry Martyn Messler

11 October 1834 - 25 December 1858

Sister:

Emelie Messler

13 January 1847 - 2 April 1908

Sister:

Cornelia Messler Grimsley

22 October 1841 - 20 March 1891

Sister:

Sarah Doremus Messler

1837 - 1917

Sister:

Anna Frances Messler

23 January 1844 - 5 August 1853

Sister:

Helen Doremus Messler Covert

1830 - 1907

Sister:

Mary Stryker Messler Swift

23 December 1825 - 2 November 1903

Wife:

Maria Remsen Varick Messler

13 August 1833 - 1922

Son:

Remsen Varick Messler

8 March 1858 - 2 February 1905

Son:

Eugene L Messler

6 April 1873 - 1 March 1950

References

• Railroad Freight Transportation (Classic Reprint)