Great American Business Leaders of the 20th Century
Ira C. Copley
Western Utility Corporation
1905–1926
1905–1926
Western Utility Corporation
1905–1926
1905–1926
- Industry: Utilities & Energy
- Era: 1900
Copley revived his father’s utility corporation by marketing gas as a fuel instead of an illuminant. Copley went on to acquire other utility companies, which he merged in 1905 to form Western United Gas and Electric Company, later renamed Western Utility Corporation, of which he was president. Copley continued to acquire additional gas and electric companies, as well as streetcar lines after the merger. In 1914, Copley diversified and began to market coke and coal along with utilities.
Personal
- Born-Died: 1864–1947
- Birthplace: Illinois
- Race: White
- Gender: Male
- Father: Executive, Low-/Mid-Level
Education / Military
- Graduate: Union College, Chicago
- Undergraduate: Yale University
- Military Service: National Guard