Chadbourne initially taught school in Freehold, New Jersey, until taking a position at Williams College, where he taught scientific subjects for fourteen years. At Williams College he was the Professor of Chemistry, Botany, and Natural History. Concurrently, he was professor at Bowdoin College, Maine Medical College, and Berkshire Medical School.
He was President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College from 1866 to 1867, and from 1882 to 1883. He was the President and Professor of Metaphysics at the University of Wisconsin at Madison from 1867 to 1870.[2]
Chadbourne served as a member of the Republican party in the Massachusetts Senate from 1865 to 1866.[3]
Death and legacy
Following years of pulmonary problems, Chadbourne died on February 23, 1883, while serving as President of the Massachusetts Agricultural College.
Chadbourne House at Williams College is named after him.[4]
Chadbourne Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is named after him.[5]