Ralph Peters (LIRR)


Ralph Peters was an American railroad executive who served as the president of the Long Island Rail Road.

Early life

Peters was born in Atlanta, Georgia on November 19, 1853. He was one of nine children born to Mary Jane Peters and Richard Peters, a railroad executive who was one of the founders of Atlanta. Among his siblings was Richard, Edward, and Nellie, who also became prominent.
His paternal grandfather was Richard Peters, a reporter of Decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court, and his great-grandfather was Continental Congressman Richard Peters, a Pennsylvania jurist. His maternal grandfather was Dr. Joseph Thompson, an early settler and doctor.
Peters graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Arts in 1872.

Career

Peters was elected president of the LIRR in April 1905.
He died at his home on Garden City, Long Island on October 9, 1923.