Chapman, Benjamin
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Chapman, Benjamin
| Celia Davis (View posts) | Posted: 13 Sep 2000 12:00PM GMT |
Classification: Biography
Surnames: Chapman, Morgan, Brelsford, Graves
from reprint of “Clarke County Historical and Biographical Record” by Lewis Publishing, 1886. p. 60.
BENJAMIN F. CHAPMAN, dealer in watches, clocks and jewelry, established his business at this point in 1856. Osceola at that time contained but few houses. He is one of the pioneer business men. He was born in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, March 26, 1831. His father, S. H. Chapman, was a native of Ohio, and a carpenter by trade. His mother, Lettie (Morgan) Chapman, was also a native of Ohio, and both lived in that State until their decease. Benjamin received is education at the public schools of his native city and at the age of sixteen commenced to learn his trade. Having served the usual time he came to Iowa, stopping first at Oskaloosa with a cousin who was a jeweler. He remained with him about eighteen months, one year of the time being under instruction.
In June, 1856, he came to Osceola, walking from Oskaloosa and carrying his tools. He commenced his business the next day, and soon found himself as firmly established as any business firm in Osceola. His store is located on the north side of the public square.
In 1856 Mr. Chapman married Miss Brelsford, of Oskaloosa. She was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and removed to Iowa with her parents when but a small child. They are the parents of three children, one living-- Flora, wife of Elon Graves, of Osceola; Louis F., died at Des Moines, aged twenty-six years; Carrie is also deceased. Mr. Chapman was appointed deputy-postmaster in 1856; was elected city treasurer three terms. He joined the Masonic fraternity in January, 1856; is also a member of the Odd Fellows order.
BENJAMIN F. CHAPMAN, dealer in watches, clocks and jewelry, established his business at this point in 1856. Osceola at that time contained but few houses. He is one of the pioneer business men. He was born in Zanesville, Muskingum County, Ohio, March 26, 1831. His father, S. H. Chapman, was a native of Ohio, and a carpenter by trade. His mother, Lettie (Morgan) Chapman, was also a native of Ohio, and both lived in that State until their decease. Benjamin received is education at the public schools of his native city and at the age of sixteen commenced to learn his trade. Having served the usual time he came to Iowa, stopping first at Oskaloosa with a cousin who was a jeweler. He remained with him about eighteen months, one year of the time being under instruction.
In June, 1856, he came to Osceola, walking from Oskaloosa and carrying his tools. He commenced his business the next day, and soon found himself as firmly established as any business firm in Osceola. His store is located on the north side of the public square.
In 1856 Mr. Chapman married Miss Brelsford, of Oskaloosa. She was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, and removed to Iowa with her parents when but a small child. They are the parents of three children, one living-- Flora, wife of Elon Graves, of Osceola; Louis F., died at Des Moines, aged twenty-six years; Carrie is also deceased. Mr. Chapman was appointed deputy-postmaster in 1856; was elected city treasurer three terms. He joined the Masonic fraternity in January, 1856; is also a member of the Odd Fellows order.