William Lawson Cotton

William Lawson Cotton was born in New London P.E.I. He left school in New London at 16 to learn the printing and newspaper business in Charlottetown under John Ings, editor of the "Islander". After two years reporting for the "Halifax Citizen" he returned to Charlottetown in June 1873 and became the editor and manager of the "Examiner" owned by Jedediah Carvell. He retired when the "Examiner" was absorbed by the "Charlottetown Guardian" remaining on the Board and contributing a column on island history. He wrote insightful pieces supporting confederation, free education, land reform, Construction of a P.E.I. railroad as well as the need for a new water and sewage system in Charlottetown.

A stained glass window in memory of William Cotton and, his wife, Margaret Ellin Harris can be viewed in All Souls' Chapel. Portraits of the couple, painted by Robert Harris, form part of the permanent collection of the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and Museum in Charlottetown. He died in Charlottetown in 1928.

William Cotton served for many years as the chairman of the trustees of St. Peter's Cathedral. He served for many years as treasurer of the Island Children's Aid Society.

Biography prepared by Edgar Macdonald for the 150th Anniversary of St. Peter's Cathedral (2019)