posted 06-24-2017 11:45 AM            

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Obituary
WILLIAM M. COWAN

On the evening of February 10, after a brief illness, expired one of the most prominent men in the silverware trade of the country, William M. Cowan, vice-president of the Whiting Mfg Co., New York. The death occurred in Providence, R. I., at the residence of the 'widow' of his deceased cousin, George H. Corliss, and was a complete surprise to his many friends, who were not aware that he was seriously ill.

Mr. Cowan first saw the light in Greenwich, Washington county. New York, in September, 1825. His parents were well-to-do, and he received a fair education. At about the age of twenty years, he left his home and went to New York City, where he took a clerical position in the New York office of the old jewelry house of Tifft & Whiting, of North Attleboro, Mass. The firm at that time manufactured a line of so called soft soldered gold jewelry and sterling silver wares.

He remained with the firm, and displayed a particular aptitude for business. About 1851 he was entered as partner, the firm name being changed to Tifft, Whiting & Co. He had charge of the New York office, then at 170 Broadway. About this time rolled-plate jewelry came into vogue, and the firm entered largely into its manufacture, though it retained its silverware department.

In 1866, after the firm had passed through several changes, the then just organized Whiting Mf’g. Co., bought out their plant and silver department, and commenced in the small factory the manufacture of silverware upon a large scale. Mr. Cowan was vice-president of the new company, which position he retained until his death; but since June 1888, he had not been actively engaged in the affairs of the company. At that time through the death of George H. Corliss, the inventor of the great Corliss engine, and president of the Corliss Steam Engine Co., Providence, Mr. Cowan, who had inactively been vice-president of the company for a number of years, became its acting president and treasurer, and relinquished his active connection with the Whiting Co.

At a special meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Whiting Mfg Co. held on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1890, the following resolutions were adopted:

That the Trustees of the Company have received with profound sorrow, the announcement of the death of their esteemed vice-president, William M. Cowan.

Resolved, That in recording the sad event, we deplore the loss of an officer of exceptional honor, integrity and ability and of an associate uniformly kind and
courteous.

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing be transmitted to his family, with assurance of our deep sympathy in the loss which they have sustained.

The above resolutions convey an idea of the deep respect in which the deceased was held. Methodical to a degree, thoroughly gentlemanly on all occasions, perfect in integrity, regular in his habits and free from the small vices, he combined the essentials of a well-balanced business man. He stood well in society and was popular in business circles. He always remained a bachelor, and leaves of his family four brothers and a sister.

The obsequies took place on February 12, at Providence, R. I. the interment being at the same place.

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