William A. Rowan (November 24, 1882 – May 31, 1961) of Chicago was an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Illinois from 1943 to 1947. He previously served as a member of the Chicago City Council from 1927 to 1942. He was a resident of Chicago's East Side community.

William A. Rowan
United States Comptroller of Customs at Chicago
In office
1947–1953
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 2nd district
In office
January 3, 1943 – January 3, 1947
Preceded byRaymond S. McKeough
Succeeded byRichard B. Vail
Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 10th ward
In office
1927–1942
Preceded byErnest M. Cross
Succeeded byWilliam J. Pieczynski
Personal details
Born(1882-11-24)November 24, 1882
Chicago, Illinois
DiedMay 31, 1961(1961-05-31) (aged 78)
Chicago, Illinois
Political partyDemocratic

He graduated from St. Patrick Grade School and St. Patrick High School and attended the University of Chicago. He was employed in a steel plant after graduation. He was associated with a daily community newspaper in Chicago, becoming city editor and editor, 1907–1927. William A. Rowan served as alderman of the Tenth Ward of Chicago from 1927 to 1942, and also as an Illinois Representative to The Seventy-Eighth and Seventy-Ninth U.S. Congresses.[1] He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1946 to the Eightieth Congress.

Political Newspaper Ad for Congressman William A Rowan

He was appointed United States Comptroller of Customs at Chicago, on January 21, 1947, in which capacity he served until 1953. While in office, he championed legislation aimed at improving the health, welfare, education, and recreational areas for children; a park serving East Side Chicago is dedicated in his honor.[2]

Rowan was married to Mary Isabel Dunne, together they raised 5 children: Miriam, Richard, Patricia, and William Jr.[1] He was interred in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Worth, Illinois.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "WILLIAM A. "BILL" ROWAN Obituary (2012) Daily Herald". Legacy.com.
  2. ^ District, Chicago Park. "Rowan (William) Park". Chicago Park District. Retrieved 2021-07-17.

External links edit

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Member of the U.S. House of Representatives
from Illinois's 2nd congressional district

1943–1947
Succeeded by