Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
YATES, W. B.
YATES, W. B. (Unknown--Dubuque, IA, Sept. 1882). Captain Yates was said to have crossed the MISSISSIPPI RIVER more often than any other man who ever lived. He was was the captain of a ferryboat at Dubuque continuously for twenty-six years. During that time, he crossed the river on an average twenty-five times a day for nine months in the year – a grand total of 170,000 times.
Maquoketa Excelsior, September 23, 1882.
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Source:
"Captain W. B. Yates." http://iagenweb.org/boards/dubuque/biographies/index.cgi?read=197709