John Alfred Poor | |
|---|---|
 Engraving circa 1860 | |
| Born | January 8, 1808 |
| Died | September 6, 1871 (aged 63) |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, editor, and entrepreneur |
| Known for | Portland Company Grand Trunk Railway York and Cumberland Railroad European and North American Railway |
John Alfred Poor (January 8, 1808 – September 6, 1871) was an American lawyer, editor, and entrepreneur best remembered for his association with the Grand Trunk Railway[1] and his role in developing the railroad system in Maine.[2] He was the older brother of Henry Varnum Poor of Standard & Poor's, who was his partner in some business ventures.[3] John Poor was an articulate man standing 6 feet, two inches (1.9 m) tall and weighing over 250 pounds (110 kg). He learned the geography and commerce of northern New England during travels as a young man; and developed an early appreciation for the potential of railroads. His commanding presence was enhanced by early speaking experience as a teacher and attorney. He had a unique ability to assemble the necessary resources to build early railroads, although he left the routine work of operations to others.
- ^ Holt, Jeff (1985). The Grand Trunk in New England. Railfare. ISBN 0-919130-43-7.
- ^ The Late John A. Poor, of Maine, The New York Times, September 8, 1871, page 2
- ^ Chandler, Alfred D. (1981). Henry Varnum Poor: Business Editor, Analyst, and Reformer. New York: Arno Press. ISBN 0-405-13767-2.