Elbert Henry Gary Biography

(born Oct. 8, 1846, near Wheaton, Ill., U.S.—died Aug. 15, 1927, New York, N.Y.) U.S. businessman, chief organizer of the U.S. Steel Corp. He began practicing law in 1871, becoming an authority on corporate law, and he served as judge of DuPage County, Ill. (1882–90). In 1898 he became president of Federal Steel Co.; when Federal merged with other companies to become U.S. Steel Corp. in 1901, Gary was elected chairman of the board of directors. As chief executive officer for 26 years, he presided over its growth and development. He promoted profit sharing, higher wages, and better working conditions, but he was a firm opponent of unions. Gary, Ind., named in his honour, was laid out in 1906 by U.S. Steel.

Copyright © 1994-2008 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.