Thomas Chapman Biography - Grant County Wisconsin

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Submitted by Ron Habel, VistaRon96 @ aol.com

History of Grant County Wisconsin
Western Historical Publishing, Chicago, July 1881
Town of Platteville, Biographical Sketches, Page 901

Thomas Chapman, Platteville; Born in Huby, East Ridney, of Yorkshire, England, 
March 27, 1815; came to America in 1838, reaching Platteville July 25, without 
a dollar in his pocket. He spent the first winter at mining; then rented a 
farm for five years; began $500 in debt, and at the end of two years began the 
butchering business, which he carried on together with his farming until the 
expiration of the lease. Mr. Chapman is a veteran butcher of Grant Co., he 
having followed the business steadily from 1841 to 1874. John Watkinson was 
his first partner. In 1853, he formed a partnership with J. F. Kirkpatrick, 
which partnership he continued up to the retirement of both from business. Mr. 
Chapman is the owner of several farms---one of 340, and one of 140 acres in 
Platteville, 80 in Smelser, 160 in La Fayette Co., 160 in Iowa Co., 240 in 
Kossuth and Wright Counties, Iowa, and a farm of 140 acres, part in 
Platteville and part in Harrison. He married Sarah Kay, who died leaving four 
children---Robert, Elizabeth A., Mary J., and Sarah M., the later died in 
1880. The second wife, nee Elizabeth Richards, died also, leaving four 
children---Sarah M., John, William, and Nora. All the children were born in 
Platteville. The present Mrs. Chapman was Mrs. Fannie S., widow of John 
Bonson, one of the pioneer settlers of Platteville. Mr. Chapman served one 
year as Assessor of this town; Treasurer two years, and Supervisor six years. 
He is a member of the Primitive Methodist Church, and is a Freemason. His home 
is now outside the city limits of Platteville, where he has 13 acres, in 
addition to the hundreds mentioned above.

Additional notes from Ron:

The village of Huby is located in the North Riding of Yorkshire. 

Thomas's parents are John CHAPMAN and Thamar RUDDUCK. 

His siblings are: 
Mary, Christened 14 Dec. 1806
Robert, born 3 Feb 1810
Thamesan, born 15 Aug 1812 
 
Children of Thomas CHAPMAN and Sarah KAY:
Elizabeth Ann b. 3 Mar 1848
Tamar H. b. 1850
Mary Jane b. Nov. 1851
Robert b. 1852/53
Sarah M. b. ca 1855/56

Children of Thomas CHAPMAN and Elizabeth RICHARDS:
Sarah M.
John
William
Nora

John CHAPMAN and Fanny STEPHENS BONSON:
No Children