William C. Albrant
William Colston Albrant (24 June 1871- 3 August 1905) was an American architect practicing in Fargo, North Dakota. Biography. Albrant was born in Winchester, Ontario in 1871. In 1895 he moved west, planning to make his way as a farmer. However, later that year he enrolled in the Division of Mechanical Arts of the North Dakota Agricultural College at Fargo. By December 1897 he had established his own architectural office in Fargo. He practiced until his unexpected death at the age of 35 in 1905. After his death his office was managed by William D. Gillespie, Albrant 's younger brother-in-law, and became W. C. Albrant & Company. Gillespie advertised for an associate to manage the firm, and it was reorganized as R. J. Haxby & Company in March 1906. Despite his short career Albrant designed several major North Dakota buildings, including the state's first purpose-built public library, in Mayville. Several of his buildings are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.