David McAlpin papers

1871-1930

David Hunter McAlpin (1816-1901), tobacco manufacturer and philanthropist; owner of the tobacco firm D. H. McAlpin Co.

McAlpin was born in Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, New York on November 8th, 1816. The fourth of eight children, McAlpin was the son of James and Jane Hunter McAlpin, McAlpin moved to New York in 1836, where he opened up a tobacco store. Within a few years, McAlpin expanded to several branches. McAlpin introduced Virginia tobacco to the public known as "Virgin Leaf".

In 1857, McAlpin entered into a partnership with the firm John Cornish & Co., tobacco manufacturers. McAlpin bought the firm out in 1860, and renamed it D. H. McAlpin Co.

McAlpin made substantial investments in real estate. He bought two blocks on Avenue D and 10th Street and established the McAlpine tobacco factory. Another substantial investment was the Hotel McAlpin, 33rd and Broadway, N. Y. C. McAlpin built this hotel between 1911-1912. This building was converted to a luxury co-operative in the mid 1980s. McAlpin also owned a massive estate in Morristown, New Jersey (15, 00 acres).

McAlpin Was also a director in many corporations, including Home Insurance Company, Manhattan Life Insurance Company, Standard Gas Light Company, Rutgers Fire Insurance Company, Union Trust Company, Eleventh Ward Bank of New York, and the First National Bank of Morristown.

McAlpin was twice married; at the time of his death, he was married to Cordelia Rose the daughter of Joseph Rose a prominent New Yorker, McAlpin children; Edwin A., George L., David Hunter jr., Charles W., William W., Frances Knox and Adelaide McAlpin Stiles (stepdaughters).

David Hunter McAlpin died on February 9, 1901 from apoplexy. The services were held at Brick Presbyterian Church, New York, He is buried in Greenwood cemetery.

The estate was filed for probate on March 4, 1901 by McAlpin's son Edwin A.; McAlpin left his estate to his family.