William A. Paine

William Alfred Paine (January 29, 1855 – September 24, 1929) was an American businessman who co-founded the brokerage firm Paine Webber. He was also instrumental in the creation of the mining venture Copper Range Consolidated Company.

Biography Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Paine was the son of Albert Paine and Sarah (Sergeant) Paine. He began his career in finance in 1873 as a clerk at a bank in Boston. In 1880, with a loan from his father, he partnered with Wallace G. Webber to create the brokerage firm, Paine, Webber & Company. His estate was worth an estimated $13,700,000 (1929 USD).

Legacy The town of Painesdale, Michigan was named for Paine, They had two sons and three daughters: Francis Ward Paine, Ruth Sargent Paine, Esther Humphrey Paine, Dorothy Bowen Paine and Stephen Paine. His son, Francis took over as head of Paine Webber after Paine's death.