William Elvis Sloan I (October 1867 – June 25, 1961) invented the Flushometer flushing mechanism for toilets and urinals. It is installed in millions of commercial, institutional and industrial restrooms worldwide. [1] [2]
He was born in Liberty, Missouri, in October 1867. [2] He was an apprentice pipe fitter in Missouri then moved to Chicago, Illinois. [1] He married Bertha Moore (1874-?) in 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, and they had a child, Edith Marie Sloan (1913-?).
In 1906, he founded Sloan Valve Company, which is now headquartered in Franklin Park, Illinois. [2]
He died on June 25, 1961, in Chicago, Illinois, and was buried in Oak Park, Illinois. [3]
With the exception of a period of time in the 1940s and early 1950s, Sloan Valve has been under the leadership of W.E. Sloan’s descendants. He had a grandson, William Elvis Sloan II (1941–2001). [4]
Early in his career, Sloan was an apprentice pipe fitter in his native Missouri before moving to Chicago and working as a foreman, superintendent and, later, an independent contractor. His experiences and self-study led Sloan to a lifelong interest in inventing — over his lifetime, Sloan was credited with 64 inventions.
The inventor of the Flushometer and founder of Sloan Valve Company was born in Liberty, Missouri. After serving as an apprentice pipe fitter, he traveled to Chicago and became a foreman, a superintendent, and finally, an independent contractor.
William Elvis Sloan II, 60, an executive at Sloan Valve Co. in Franklin Park, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, in his Addison home of a heart attack. Born and raised in River Forest, Mr. Sloan built a 44-year career with the company, a manufacturer of plumbing products that was founded by his grandfather in Chicago. Starting at age 16, Mr. ...