William Edward Cowens
William Edward Cowens (c1855-1930)
1930 Obituary [1]
WILLIAM EDWARD COWENS commenced to practise as a consulting and inspecting engineer in Newcastle in 1911 and remained a partner in the firm of Cowens and Anderson until his death on 17th November 1930 at the age of 75.
He received his early training at engineering works in Newcastle and in 1884 was appointed chief draughtsman with Messrs. John Abbot and Company of Gateshead-on-Tyne who had just commenced to develop their manufacture of hydraulic plant and machinery.
In 1893 he accepted the post of works manager for the firm and a few years later became general manager. During his career he was responsible for the design and supervision of many important contracts for hydraulic installations, including those at Boston, Southampton Docks and Parkeston Quay, and for a number of coal-screening and conveying plants.
Mr. Cowens had been a Member of the Institution since 1898.