William Cowan Hill
William Cowan Hill (1883-1949)
1950 Obituary [1]
"WILLIAM COWAN HILL spent the greater part of his professional career in the Malay States, where for many years be was concerned with the oil industry.
He was born in 1883, and received his education at the Greenock Technical College. After serving his apprenticeship, between 1899 and 1905, with Messrs. G. McCartrey and Company, of Cumnock, Messrs. Reid and Company, of Ayr; and Messrs. Scott and Company, Ltd., of Greenock, he went to sea as marine engineer, rising from fourth to chief engineer.
In 1912 he took up an appointment as engineer to the Ho Hong Oil Mills, Ltd., of Singapore, and subsequently became works manager and chief engineer. He held the latter position until his death, which occurred on 10th June 1949. In the course of his long experience with the firm Mr. Hill became an authority on oil extraction, and also oil drum manufacture. He had been an Associate Member of the Institution since 1920."