Alexander Ector Orr (1831-1914)
President of the Equitable Insurance Co. that financed the New York Subway System
He emigrated to New York from Strabane, Co. Tyrone, in 1851. Five years later, he married Juliet, daughter of Ammi Dows whose family operated David Dows & Co, one of the nation's largest grain dealers. Becoming a partner in the company, he went on to become President of the New York Produce Exchange (1887-88), President of the New York Chamber of Commerce (1894), and President of the new Rapid Transport Commission (1894). After the infamous corruption scandal of 1905, he was named President of the Equitable Insurance Company that under his leadership became best known for arranging the financing and construction of New York's subway system. He lived on Ramsen Avenue in Brooklyn, served on the boards of 29 corporations (notably Munn, Orr & Co.), and at his death his estate was valued in excess of $10 million.
