Frederick COWAN - (1833-1896) Employment Details 1880s/90s?

[rbell35]

Seeking, if available please of any employment details (employer and/or job type) of my great grandfather Frederick COWAN (1833-1896) for the period 1870 to 1896. His wife was Fanny nee RICHARDSON. I descend from their son Henry Richardson COWAN (born 1873). I know Frederick's occupation is quoted as an 'engineer' in 1881 (Census) & worked at a Gas Works in 1883 (West Ham?) as a 'foreman'. Is it likely that employment records would have survived from his Gas Works employer if the latter could be identified? He resided in Walthamstow during the 1880s up to 1896 when he died. His occupation was shown as 'mechanical engineer' on his death certificate. Any help with this quest is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rob.

[jonwarrn]

worked at a Gas Works in 1883 (West Ham?) as a 'foreman'.

The report of the inquest held into his daughter Minnie's death in October 1883 is in numerous newspapers, including The Times on the 24th.
INQUESTS.
In the Board-room of the West Ham Union Workhouse, yesterday afternoon, Mr. Lewis, the coroner for the Southern Division of Esssex, held an inquest on the body of Minnie Cowan, aged 17, a domestic servant, who was found drowned in a pond at Whipp's Cross-road, Leyton, on the 21st inst. Frederick Cowan, of 16, Clarkson-road, Walthamstow, an engine-driver in the employ of the Gas Light and Coke Company, said the deceased was his daughter. She was in her 18th year....

The Gas Light and Coke Company ran the huge gasworks at Beckton. So it's possible that he worked there.