THOMAS CHAPMAN, Platteville; was 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 the 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, 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 latter 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 his 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.

This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.