A native of Newport, Rhode Island, WILLIAM COLE COZZENS ran a successful dry goods business for many years. He also was President of the Rhode Island Union Bank. He served as Mayor of Newport and represented the city in both houses of the Rhode Island General Assembly. When William Sprague resigned the governorship to become a U.S. Senator, Cozzens as President of the Rhode Island Senate became acting governor. He ran for reelection in his own right but was defeated.