William Chamberlain (1800-1875)

He was born in Vermont and became successful in New York City as a wholesale importer of exotic fruits. He came to Red Hook in 1839 and two years later bought Maizefield, growing the estate to 550-acres. In 1865, her founded and became the first President of the First National Bank of Red Hook. He bred and exhibited his flock of Silesian Merino sheep that became somewhat famously associated with Maizefield (also referred to as Maizeland). William Chamberlain was described as, "a man of large wealth and extended influence". He married Amelia Lawrence and they were the parents of two sons, the younger of whom was killed during the Civil War.