The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-07-31
COLONEL BARROWS DEAD.
The Welsbaeh Company President
Expires at Haverford. Ia.

The weIsbaeh Company President
Expires at Haverford, Ia.
PHILADELPHIA. July S1.-Col. VII
liam Eliot BarrOws President Of the
Welsbach Company, died yesterday at his
home in Haverford. For the last six
months ne had been IN of Bdght's dis
ease, but until a month ago continued 20
visit his Office and attend 20 his duties
there Then. however. he was compelled
to give up business About week ago
there was an alarming change in his con
dition. and ne grew steadily worse until
his death.
Colonel Barrows had a varied and re-
markable career as a manufacturer. and
had been connected with the Welsbach
interests almost from its beginning. He
came to Philadelphia in 1855 20 take the
position in Gloucester. and was shortly
afterward elected president and general
manager Of the company. When the
Welsbach Company. which merged the
existing interests. was formed he Fas
elected its president and held the Office
since At the time he assumed control
Of the business Il was largely in an eNpe-
rimental stage, but under his manage
ment the manufacture of the lights was
further perfected. business changes intro
duced and the sale OF the output pushed
vigorously.
Colonel Barrows was born IN Hudson.
Ohio July Il, 1872 and was the son %
Rev. Elijah Porter Barrows- He was edu-
Gated in the district school, and later In
the English Department Of Phillips Acad-
envy. Andover. Mass. At the outbreak OF
the war ne entered the service, and Was
successfully promoted TO be hospital stew
e. Tsf NJ
captain. and brevet major. He served as
aide-de-camp TO Major General Alexander
8. Webb. Chief OF stan OF the Army OF
the Potomac.
Shortly after being mustered cut OF the
service he entered the Lowell machine
sEp, Lowell, Mass, as an apprentice 10
learn the trade Of machinist receiving
compensation Of ~ cents day. After
serving in the various departments, ne
was appointed mechanical engineer Of the
Ivanhoe Paper Company, OF Paterson, y
J. For a time he was in the employ OF
F A Leigh & Co. Of Boston. importers
Of and dealers in foreign machinery. In
1919 he became assistant 10 the President
Of the Willimantic Linen Company. Of
Willimantic, Conn. and later, after the
presidents death. succeeded 70 that office
II was while Colonel Barrows was en-
EaScQ III carr INK on MS hoLh al ~ AAAA-
mantle that he established cooperative
stores. reading rooms, and art schools for
the mill hands
While president there ne conceived and
successfully carried through the idea Of
gathering the cotton from the field, gin
ming, spinning. weaving. and dyeing H.
cutting the cloth and making it into a
suit Of clothes TO be worn by the Govern
nor OF Georgia at the A -lauta Fair, all IN
the same day.
He is said 10 have ben the first man
in America 70 build a tyvO-stOry cotton
mill-the lower story for the engines and
shafting. the upper one f0r the spinning
machinery and the operatives. This mill
became famous throughout the world for
its stained glass windows. and lights, its
flower beds and boxes for its sanitary
ARA ngements for the care which was
taken to promote the health and strength
and efficiency Of its operatives. both male
and female. and for the excellence OF
their output II was IN this mill that
milk. bread. and bouiIIoL were first issued
gratuitously 70 the growing girls employ
cd about il; that all employees were re-
Quired 70 know how 20 read and write
that the fireman was paid more than the
engineer; that storage batteries were first
successfully used in connection with cleo
trio lighting, and many other improve
ments made, all primarily because it was
believed to be profitable 70 the mill com
pany.
For some time Colonel Barrows was as
siStauJ 10 the president and was manager
Of the Chicago works Of the Pullman Car
Company. and resigned to become United
States Commissioner to the west coast of
South America in the interest Of the New
Orleans Exposition.
Upon returning from South America he
was for a time mana ger Of the Hiucklcy
Locomotive Works. Boston, and resigned
to accept the position Of manager Of the
WeIsbach Light COMPANY
Colonel BarrOws was a senior aide-de-
camp on the stan Of Ex-Governor Bige-
low. OF Connecticut He married. in 1863.
Emma Holden ShGttuck. Jf Lowell Mass.
who survives him. He has three sons.
George s. who is engineer Of the Wells
bach Company Richard Lee. now a. stu
dent in the University Of Pennsylvania.
and Robert @ For "A number Of years he
made his home at 2512 Spruce Street but
lately lived at HaVerfOrd- He was a
member Of the Military Order Of the 10y
al Legion, an honorary member Of the
Art, Manufacturers and University Clubs
the Historical Society OF Pennsylvania,
the New England Society. the Geological
Society, the Contemporary Club. and the
Merton Cricket Club He was one OF the
charter members OF the American Society
Of Mechanical Engineers. The honorary
on him by Yale University for his coutri-
buttons to practical economy The fu-
neral services viii be held Friday. and. in
accordance with Colonel BarrOWS wish
the body viii be CremaJed-