William Painter

1838–1906 (age 68)

inventor, businessman

Biography

William Painter was a prolific inventor and businessman whose creativity changed everyday life, including the development of the crown cork bottle cap, which revolutionized beverage preservation and packaging. He founded the Crown Cork & Seal Company, cultivating a manufacturing enterprise built on precision and innovation.

Painter combined technical experimentation with shrewd management, nurturing a workforce dedicated to quality while securing patents that underscored American ingenuity. His products entered households across the country, leaving a legacy of practical invention that endured well beyond his years.