William Sheffield Cowles (August 1, 1846 – May 1, 1923) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy.
Early life
William Sheffield Cowles was born on August 1, 1846, in Farmington, Connecticut, to Elizabeth (née Sheffield) and Thomas Cowles. He attended public schools in Farmington.
Career
In July 1863 he was appointed an acting midshipman at the United States Naval Academy and graduated in June 1867. He was commissioned as an ensign in 1869. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1871 and lieutenant commander in 1892. He was commissioned as a commander on June 5, 1898. After September 30, 1899, he served briefly as assistant chief of the bureau of navigation. He was also naval aide to Theodore Roosevelt. He was promoted to captain on November 2, 1902. In 1906, he was chief of the board of equipment and a member of the board of construction. He was named rear admiral on April 23, 1908. In July 1908, he was the American naval representative at the Quebec Tercentenary. He was an official representative at the coronation of King George V in 1911.
Personal life
Cowles married Mary Thurman, the oldest daughter of Ohio politician Allen G. Thurman, on February 18, 1873. In November 1889, Thurman divorced Cowles. They did not have any children.