David Rowan (1822-1898) of David Rowan and Sons was a marine engineer.
1822 Born in Ochiltree, Rowan worked as an engineer for several employers in Glasgow and Greenock before taking up a post of managing partner with James Aitken and Co, Cranstonhill. While with this firm, he supervised contracts for the construction of blast-furnaces at Langloan Iron Works and the pumping engines to supply St Petersburg with water. In 1866 he set up in business himself as a manufacturer of marine engines, supplying engines for a number of Clyde shipbuilding firms. This became David Rowan and Co
Rowan was an original member and later president of the Institute of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland, president of the Glasgow Mechanics Institution and chairman of the Clyde Navigation Trust.
"...engineering firm of David Rowan and Sons, Elliott street, Glasgow, took place on Saturday, 30th ult., at his town residence, 22, Woodside-place, Glasgow, after a prolonged illness. The deceased gentleman was in his 76th year, having been born in Ochiltree, Ayrshire, in 1822.
After having served an apprenticeship as a slater in his father's business, in that place, he proceeded to Glasgow in 1840, and engaged himself for about seven years to the late John McAndrew, St. Rollox, with whom he acquired his first experience as an engineer. After having been in the employment of several firms, he was appointed head draughtsman with the late firm of Messrs. Smith and Rodgers, now the London and Glasgow Engineering and Shipbuilding Company, Limited, of Govan. In 1854 he was appointed manager of the engine department..." More.