William Rotch (1759-1850)
Merchant & Manufacturer, of County Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts
He refined whale oil, manufactured candles, and was a founder and first president of the New Bedford Institution for Savings from 1825 until his death. He served as clerk of the New England Yearly Meeting of the Friends and was a founder of Friends Academy. He lived at 396 County Street (see images), New Bedford, designed by Richard Upjohn in 1834.
