William A. KOHLER was the eldest child of John Andrew and Anna Mary (Jacobs) Kohler and a brother of Warren M. Kohler. He was born in Turbett Township, October 8, 1877 and died in Ann Arbor, Michigan, October 23, 1941. He was a graduate of Airy View Academy and had a A.B. Degree from Pennsylvania College (Gettysburg), an Economics Degree from Harvard and an M.A. in History from the University of Michigan. He was a teacher at Airy View, principal of Patterson [Mifflin] High School and at the time of his death he was a professor of history at the University of Michigan. He was married to Clara Kingsley who owned the rooming house where he resided in Michigan.
NOTES as per RAY KOHLER:
BILL SHEAFFER STORY - The story is told that while teaching at the University of Michigan, a student named Bill Shaeffer approached Will one day about investing in an idea that the student had developed. The idea was to make a pen that carried its own supply of ink (fountain pen). Will said that he didn't think that it would work and wasn't interested in investing. The student went on to found the W. A. Shaeffer Pen Co.
"FATTY" ARBUCKLE STORY - While at the University of Michigan, William Kohler became a close friend with "Fatty" Arbuckle, a rising Hollywood silent film star who was eventually discredited when he became involved in a wild party that culminated in a major sex scandal.
