Alfred Shipley Pell
Alfred Shipley Pell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Westchester County, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 21, 1869 (aged 64) West Point, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Insurance executive |
| Known for | Co-founder of the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York |
Alfred Shipley Pell (April 27, 1805 – May 21, 1869) was a prominent American insurance executive recognized for co-founding the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York.
Early life
Born on April 27, 1805, in Westchester County, New York, Pell was the second son of William Ferris Pell and Mary (Shipley) Pell. Among his siblings were Archibald Morris Pell and Duncan Pell, who served as Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island, along with other relatives linked to distinguished families.
His paternal lineage included Benjamin Pell, a merchant involved in shipping, and Marianna (née Ferris) Pell. On his maternal side, he was descended from Morris Shipley of London.
Career
Before co-founding a life insurance enterprise with Morris Robinson—who assumed the presidency—Pell was employed by the Mutual Safety Insurance Company. They obtained a charter for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York on April 12, 1842, officially commencing business on February 1, 1843. Robinson remained at the helm until his passing in 1849, after which Joseph B. Collins took over leadership. Additionally, Pell played a role in establishing the American Free Trade League.
In 1848, Pell was appointed as the New York agent and later became the United States manager for the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, an organization founded in 1836. He retained this position until his death in 1869. His son Alfred followed him in this role but stepped down in 1871 to lead the Commercial Union Assurance Company based in London.
Personal life
Pell married Elizabeth Cruger (1809–1846), who descended from the Schuyler family, on April 9, 1829. They had four children:
- William Cruger Pell (1830–1898), who wed Margarita (Brantly) Cress in 1876.
- Alfred Walden Pell (1833–1901), married three times: first to Gertrude Elliot Cary in 1867, then Mary Kirkland Tracy in 1877, and finally Mary Louisa Huntington in 1883.
- Robert S. Pell (1835–1868), who died unmarried.
- Arthur Pell (1841–1894), also died unmarried.
Following Elizabeth’s death, Pell married Eliza Wood, daughter of John Wood, on February 17, 1848. They had one daughter:
- Elizabeth Edith Dennistoun Pell (1852–1890), who married British banker Martin Archer-Shee in 1872; their son was Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Martin Archer-Shee.
Alfred Shipley Pell passed away at West Point, New York on May 21, 1869.