Background
Bates, William Wallace was born on February 15, 1827 in Nova Scotia. Son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Wallace) Bates.
Bates, William Wallace was born on February 15, 1827 in Nova Scotia. Son of Stephen and Elizabeth (Wallace) Bates.
Education common schools, Calais, Maine, beyond that self-educated. Also self-educated in naval architecture.
Began in shipwright trade, 1839. Built 1st clipper schooner, “Challenge,” at Manitowoc, on the Great Lakes, 1851. Editor Nautical Magazine and Naval Journal.
New York, 1854-1858.
Captain in Union Army, 1861-1863. In shipbuilding and drydock business, Chicago, 1866-1881. Dry-dock building, Portland, Oregon, 1881-1883.
Manager Inland Lloyds, Buffalo, 1885-1888.
United States commissioner navigation, Washington, 1889-1892.
Married Marie Cole, September 11, 1856.