The son of a carpenter, he began learning his father's trade at a young age.

At the age of 16, the family moved to Newport, New Hampshire, where young Dow began an apprenticeship with Ruel Durkee.

[5] Wheeler had, years before, apprenticed with Colby & Dow, and had rejoined the firm in 1873.

That year, James E. Randlett (1846-1909), formerly the keeper of the state house, became a partner.

From at least 1882 until 1892, architect Albert E. Bodwell (1851-1926) was apparently Dow's chief designer.