Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
CHAMBERLAIN, William C.
CHAMBERLAIN, William C. (Brookfield, NY, Feb. 18, 1834-- ). President, NORWEGIAN PLOW COMPANY. Chamberlain arrived in Dubuque in November 1855. Going into business with F.A. Doolittle, he started the first store for the sale of agricultural implements exclusively west of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER and north of St. Louis, Missouri. His sales soon reached into all parts of northern Iowa, southern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. He began the Norwegian Plow Company and served as its president. In addition to his business concerns, he took out several patents.