Apcar Alexander Apcar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Apcar Alexander Apcar, KCSI
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| Born | 1851 |
| Died | 17 April 1913 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | British citizenship |
| Occupation | Merchant |
Sir Apcar Alexander Apcar (born 1851, died 17 April 1913) was a very rich Armenian businessman in Calcutta, India. Today, Calcutta is known as Kolkata. His family became wealthy through their trading business with China. Sir Apcar was a very important person in business. He led the Bengal Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Imperial Legislative Council, which was a big government group. In 1903, he was given the title of 'Sir' (knighted). He loved horses and owned a special farm for racehorses. For many years, he was the top person in horse racing in India.
Growing Up and School
Apcar Alexander Apcar came from an Armenian family. His family moved to Bengal, India, in the early 1800s. They owned a company called Apcar and Company. This company had steamships that sailed between Calcutta and ports in China. His family became very rich from this shipping business.
Apcar was the second son of Apcar Aratoon Apcar. His father was also a merchant. His father's company, Apcar Line, had ships that traded with countries like Burma, the Straits Settlements, and the Far East.
Apcar Alexander Apcar was born in Calcutta in 1851. He went to a famous school in England called Harrow School. A famous person named Lord Curzon was also at Harrow at the same time.
Apcar played cricket for his school team. He played in several matches between May 1868 and July 1869. These matches included games against Eton College and other famous cricket clubs. He was a good player, but not amazing. After he came back to Calcutta, he became a well-known player of rackets (a sport similar to tennis) and cricket.
A Successful Businessman
Apcar Alexander's father passed away on May 16, 1863. He was 85 years old. Alexander became the head of the family business after his three older brothers, Apcar, Seth, and Thomas, also passed away.
Apcar continued to run the family's trading business. He lived in their family home on Russell Street. He often invited many people to his home.
For many years, Apcar was the consul for Siam (now Thailand) in Calcutta. A consul is like a representative for another country. He was the vice-president of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce in 1903. Then, he became its president from 1904 to 1907.
He represented the Chamber of Commerce in important government groups. These included the Viceregal Legislative Council from 1900 to 1909. He was also part of the Bengal Legislative Council and the Port Trust. In 1903, he was given a special honor called C.S.I. (Companion of the Order of the Star of India). Later that year, he was knighted at a big Royal Durbar event in Delhi. This meant he could use the title 'Sir'.
Love for Horse Racing
Apcar owned a special farm in Australia where he bred racehorses. He would keep his horses in Bangalore during the summer. Bangalore was cooler, and he spent most of the hot season there later in his life.
For some time, he was the president of the Calcutta Turf Club. After that, he was an honorary steward. He played a big part in building a new grandstand at the club's racecourse. This new stand was designed like the famous Longchamp Racecourse grandstand. The stands were built between 1905 and 1907. After they were finished, regular people could become members.
Apcar raced his horses with a partner named Malcolm Peter Gaspar. He was also of Armenian origin. They were big rivals of Lord William Beresford. Lord Beresford strongly believed that English thoroughbred horses were the best. In his later years, Apcar raced his horses in places like Poona, Bombay, and Bangalore. After Lord Beresford stopped racing, Apcar became the top horse racer in India.
Two of his famous horses, Great Scott and Mayfowl, each won the important Viceroy's Cup three times.
Apcar passed away in Bangalore on April 17, 1913. He was 62 years old. He was not married. His cousin, who was a doctor, took over after him.
See also
- Apcar family
