Welcome researchers! Welcome family! This site is a collection of genealogical information of my CHAPMAN ancestors, from many sources collected over many years . Some of the information comes from my own work searching databases, www, microfilm, books, and the like. Other information has been graciously passed to me from fellow family researchers and members. If you are a researcher, my hope is that here you will find a lead. If you descend from names recorded here, contact me. I am Victoria Taylor-True - Daughter of Mary Jane GARDNER and Keith Bremmen TAYLOR. My direct lines are here. More sights are linked up often, so check back *S*

Yeah that is a picture of me in 1983 in olden days attire. I know I was born in the wrong generation. I do so love the times of yesteryear. My mother says I look like my great-aunts when they were young, so as we find and locate pictures, I guess we will find out just how much I do.

This page will be a constant work in progress, as I meet new cousins, and add new photos and information. If you feel you are connected to our family, please contact us. We would love to hear from you and add "new Branches" to the tree. If you contact us and provide information, please let us know how you would like to be cited. We are forever grateful, for all cousins help! There are missing pictures and information. If you have any thing that would add to this collection and help fill in the missing spots please email me or contact me for a family sheet and I will mail you one to fill out.
Victoria Taylor True






UPDATES : CREDITS and SUCH !!! Last Updated
"Life in the Past Lane" unfolds!!

Sources
I will note them through direct emails or mail show online with a link to their email, or a noted ** to a www or hardcopy email(file copy) .

This quest is now advancing to levels that a clone or two will be needed, I am sure. (and Santa didnt have one under my tree last year again..*sigh* ) Please check back often to see the progress and to see if you are a long lost cuzin. Email if you find a name or branch that is a link in the tree. And sign the guestbook , so others can find you to. We would love to hear from you and include your information. ~ Sooooooooo grab a cup of coffee and get comfee. This is going to take a while to read. If you find a linking line please email me at kentuckywebmaster@yahoo.com . We will look forward to meeting all the new cousins out there. Welcome to "Life in the Past Lane"

FINDING INFO HERE
[To find a name, among the vast information, go the top of your browser window, click edit , click find, and type in the name.
If you want to view family groups. Place your mouse curser at the name or spot on the page. Use your keyboard " Page up" "Page down" button. It will keep the lines lined up, allowing you to view children and groups of groups. I know this can be confusing, so email if you have any problems and I will be glad to help you.

This is a set of genealogical records with both ancestry and decadency sets of data based on my family. Nothing is set in stone and all things in genealogy have to be vailidated to be true. So at this point , this genealogist is data collecting and processing validation as it become founded or shared. All validation will show in the family group it belongs as well as photos and documents. If you have anything for any group, please let me know , so I can include a copy of it with the ancestor it belongs with.
~Thanks ~
Vickie - your family addicted genealogist who thinks 24 hrs in a day just isnt enough time for our ancestors and me. Life is to short and I am running out of time myself. LOL

PLEASE!!! If you find I have a mistake or a typo , dont hesitate to let me know. I hate to post wrong info but it happens, so bear with me and others , as we get this fine tumed , as it is an ongoing project.
Francis Chapman who arrived Virginia on the Starr was listed as an Ancient Planter under the year 1608. He is probably the first Chapman to come to America and survive. **



My Lineage
    8. Jonathan (John) Chapman b ca 1730s
      7. Nathaniel H. Chapman SR 1761 md Elizabeth "Betsy" Coleman
        6. Nathaniel (Nathan) Chapman Jr. b 1795 md Minerva Coleman
          5. Peter Buford Chapman b1846 md Virginia Lawless
            4. Ida Mae Chapman 1888 md William Issac Jones Gardner
              3. Mary Jane Gardner married Keith Bremmen Taylor
                2. Victoria Lynn Taylor - True
                  1. my children
To View A Sirname go to the INDEX and as it is worked up , it will be there

  • 1. Patriarch: Jonathan (John) Chapman b c 1730s d c 1784/5 in Cumberland Co., VA md ___,
    • He owned property in and probably lived and died in Cumberland Co., Va.
    • 1. Virginia Elizabeth Chapman b ca 1756 VA d 18 Feb 1845 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia md. Elisha Bowles bef 1793 b. abt 1759, Cumberland or Buckingham Co., Va., d 18 Apr. 1837, Bedford Co. Va. son of Benjamin Bowles b. About 1730 in Virginia
      • Elisha and John Chapman's son Elizabeth's brother) Nathan apparently enlisted together for ARW in early 1779 at Cumberland Co.
      • Military/ Draft registrat: Rev War
      • Military/ Draft registrat: POW -Charleston SC
      • Property: land on Beaver Dam Creek, Bedford County, Virginia
      ---1820 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > SOUTHERN DISTRICT Series: M33 Roll: 133 Page: 15

      ** ** ** **
      • 1. Benjamin H. Bowles b 8 Feb 1793 Bedford County, Virginia d 2 Nov 1864 md Mary Jane Dowdy Aug. 13, 1816 b 11 Oct 1791 in Bedford County, Virginia d 8 Mar 1858 in Age 67 Cause of Death: dropsy (congenital heart failure)
        • Bedford VA Marriages: Aug. 13, 1816; Benjamin Bowles & Jane Dowdy; Richard Anderson, Surety **
        • 1. Elisha Allen Bowles b. 15 Dec 1818, Bedford Co., Va.; d. 15 May 1885; md .
          (1) Mary E. Anderson 1 Jan 1844, Bedford Co., Va.; dau of Richard Anderson SR and Elizabeth ___
          (2) Frances Ann Sublet 6 Dec 1865. **
          • ** Jan. 1, 1844; Elisha A. Bowles & Mary E. Anderson; Richard H. Anderson, Surety; Consent signed by Richard, Sr. and Elizabeth Anderson.
        • 2. William A. Bowles b. 9 Oct 1820 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • 3. Elizabeth Frances Bowles b. 16 Mar 1822 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • 4. John Bowles b. 21 Aug 1823 in Bedford County, Virginia d abt 1902 md Mary M. Dowdy dau of Thomas Dowdy
          ---1870 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > CHAMBLISSBURG TWP Series: M593 Roll: 1635 Page: 83
          • 1. Elnora E. Bowles b. 1856 in Virginia
          • 2. M.N. Bowles b. 1859 in Virginia d bef 1870
          • 3. John P. Bowles b. 1861 in Virginia
          • 4. Pediacia Bowles b. 1863 in Virginia d bef 1870
          • 5. Willie J.C. Bowles b. 1866 in Chamblissburg, Bedford County, Virginia
          • 6. Richard Lee Bowles b June 23, 1868, in Chamblissburg, Bedford County, VA, d September 6, 1966, in McConnelsville, Morgan County, OH (though he lived in Gallia County). md
            (1) Liza (Elizabeth?) Barton abt 1895
            (2) Margaret E Facemyer abt 1902
            ---1910 > WEST VIRGINIA > KANAWHA > ELK Series: T624 Roll: 1685 Page: 26

            ---1920 > WEST VIRGINIA > KANAWHA > CHARLESTON, LONDON Series: T625 Roll: 1958 Page: 207
            • 1. (John) Edward Bowles b Dec. 25, 1894 in Snag Creek, Putnam Co WV, d December 4, 1973, in St. Albans, Kanawha Co, WV md
              (1) Nona Smith
              (2) Dessie Dell Perdue b.21 Jul 1908 in Lincoln Co, WV d 20 Dec 1966 in St. Albans, Kanawha Co, WV
              • 1. Mary Ann Bowles b 1928 WV d 1933 WV [when her clothing caught fire near the gas grate. She died three days later]
              • 1. Richard Lee Bowles--b. 1942 St. Albans, WV md Lorene ___
                --- Thanks to cuzin Lorene and Richard for helping to expand her group information and photos.
            • 2. Carrie F Bowles b 1905 WV d 1926
            • 3. Francis M Bowles b 1906
          • 7. Sarah T. Bowles b. 1872 in Virginia
        • 5. Benjamin G. Bowles b. 28 Oct 1825 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • 6. Sarah Ann Bowles b. 1 Dec 1827 in Bedford County, Virginia md Elisha B Taylor
          --- Sep. 4, 1843; Elisha B. Taylor & Sarah A. Bowles, dt Benjamin H.; Elisha A. Bowles, Surety. **
        • 7. Amanda Jane Bowles b. Jul 1828 in Chamblissburg, Bedford County, Virginia md Reuben Webb Feb 13 1849
          --- Feb. 13, 1849; Reuben Webb & Amanda J. Bowles, dt Benjamin H.; John S. Bowles, Surety. **
        • 8. Henry Chapman BOWLES b 20 Nov 1831, Bedford County, Virginia d 6 Aug 1918, Stella, Patrick County, Virginia buried Patrick County, Virginia md Susan Clark COBB 27 Oct 1869, Patrick County, Virginia (Patrick Springs)
          • OCCUPATION: Minister of the Gospel
          • CENSUS: 1880, Patrick County, Virginia ** **
          • 1. Sallie Pierce BOWLES **
          • 2. William Henry BOWLES **
          • 3. Mary Alice BOWLES **
          • 4. Alvin Benjamin BOWLES **
          • 5. Annie Sue BOWLES md ___ Anthony **
            • 1. Ruth Anthony md ___ Dandridge
        • 9. Richard L. Bowles b. 30 Nov 1834 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • 10. Mary E. Bowles b. 11 Feb 1837 in Bedford County, Virginia
      • 2. Zenith/Zena Bowles md Elijah Wills Oct. 28, 1826 Bedford Co. VA; lived in Logan Co. VA later WV.b. 1804 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • ** Oct. 28, 1826; Elijah Wills & Zenith Bowles, dt Elisha; Richard Anderson, Surety. *--*
        • 1. Elizabeth Wills b. 1831
        • 2. Mary Ellen Wills b. 1834 in Pineville, Logan County, West Virginia
        • 2. James H. Wills b. 1834 in Logan County, West Virginia
        • 2. Amanda Wills b. 1838 in Logan County, West Virginia
        • 2. Elijah Chapman Wills b. 1841
      • 3. Elizabeth Jincy/Jane Bowles md Joseph Barker Jun. 6, 1811 Bedford Co. VA b 1792 Bedford Co V d 1858
        • They lived in Logan Co. VA later WV, Garretts Fork about 1830/33
        • ** Bedford Co VA Marriages Jun. 6, 1811; Joseph Barker & Jincey Bowles; Elisha Bowles, Surety. **
        • 1. John Anthony Barker ;b 30 Jul 1812 in Franklin County, Virginia moved to Boone County,
        • 2. William Lee Barker b 30 Dec 1814 in Franklin County, Virginia married Dorcas Workman ;lived on Garretts Fork
          • 1. James M Barker d 1861
        • 3. Mary Elizabeth Barker b 24 Nov 1817 in Bedford, Franklin County, Virginia d : 13 Jul 1904 in Logan County, West Virginia md Noah Haner July 16 1937 b 4 Feb 1815 d 1855 ; lived on Garretts Fork
          • 1. Emily Haner md ___Gillenwater ___Stowers
          • 2. Letha Haner md ___Bell,
          • 3. Susannah Haner b. 28 Jan 1843 d 1874 md French S. Godby 1860 in Logan County, WV b. 1836 in Logan County, WV
          • 4. Nancy Ann Haner md ___Sanders,
          • 5. William A. Haner,
          • 6. John Simms Haner,
          • 7. Joseph B. Haner
          • 8. Lewis D. Haner
        • 4. Anderson Barker b 27 Apr 1823 in Franklin County, Virginia md Martha Ferrell in 1858 in WV
        • 5. Martha Barker b. 1827 in Cabell County, Virginia
        • 6. Rose Barker b. 1835 in Logan County, West Virginia
        • 7. Benjamin Barker b. 1836 in Logan County, West Virginia married Adeline Fry.
      • 4. Polly Bowles b. About 1793 d bef 1837 md Edward Taylor Aug. 22, 1808 Bedford County, Virginia son of ____ and ____
        • :Marriage Bonds: Bedford Co VA Aug. 22, 1808; Edward Taylor & Polly Bowles; Elisha Bowles, Surety; Married by William Jean, Aug. 22, 1808
        --- Edward married 1st Jane Rosebrough 6 FEB 1805 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • 1. Samuel Taylor
        • 4. Elizabeth Taylor
        • 4. Marble D. Taylor
        • 4. Elisha B. Taylor
      • 5. Elizabeth Bowles md Richard Packford Anderson Jun. 5, 1811 Bedford County, Virginia b. 9 Apr 1780
        • ** Jun. 5, 1811; Richard Anderson & Elizabeth Bowles; Elisha Bowles, Surety.
        Children: Mary E. Anderson b. About 1826 Elisha T. Anderson b. About 1782
      • 6. Sally Bowles md William Pauling Anderson 15 Oct 1816 b. 4 Apr 1792 in Bedford County, Virginia
        • ** Oct. 15, 1816; William Anderson & Sally Bowles; Richard Anderson, Surety; Married by Joseph Payne, Oct. 16,
    • 2. Nathaniel H. Chapman 1761 md Elizabeth Coleman SEE BELOW
    • 3. Thomas Chapman b ca 1756 d Aug 1828 in Possibly Ky
      --- Thomas Chapman died before his brother Nathan, with Nathan as his heir at law.
      --- Thomas Chapman served in Virginia's 14th Regiment , Pvt; and lived in Kentucky after the Revolutionary War
      --- Thomas lived in Henry Co. Va. ** ** ** **




  • 1. Nathaniel H. Chapman SR was born May 3,1761 near Watering Branch, Bedford Co.VA (present day Lynchburg, VA) died January 1829, Goodview, Bedford Co. VA. married Elizabeth "Betsy" Coleman 17 Feb 1791 Franklin Co., VA b 1770 Old toll Gate, Lynchburg, VA d May 13, 1859 in Roanoke Co. VA at the home of her son Henry H. dau James Coleman & Chloe___ .
    ---Married by Rice Haggard (minister) ; the marriage bond was dated Feb. 12, 1791. dau James Coleman & Chloe___ .
    --- James Coleman (wife Chloe) purchased land in Bedford Co VA 1794 and lived there until he died in 1815 ** ** **
    • Marriage Bonds of Franklin County Virginia 1786-1858 page 57 -Chapman, Nathan and Betsy Coleman,Feb. 12, 1791. Sur. James Coleman. 50.
    • Nathan was a Revolutionary War soldier who served three years (1778-1781). - W6654 , as a Pvt. and enlisted in either Cumberland Co., VA or Amelia Co.,VA. Moved to Bedford Co., VA c. 1784 after war ended.
    ---According to his sworn testimony, he enlisted for the Revolutionary War in Cumberland County, VA (later testimony by his widow states he enlisted in Amelia County, VA). He served as a private in the war and was a POW on the British prison ship, Belvidere, for nine months. He also testified that he moved from Cumberland County, Va to Bedford County, VA in 1784 with two friends: Jeremiah Basham and Elisha Bowles. Nathaniel had a brother named Thomas Chapman who served in Virginia's 14th Regiment and lived in Kentucky after the war. Nathaniel is listed as his only heir in the Bedford County Court Order Books (1828). His sister Elizabeth married his war buddy, Elisha Bowles, and lived on property next to his farm.
    Description: The western Virginia County of Franklin was formed in 1786 and by 1850 had a population of over 17,000.

    • -- Ancestry.com. Franklin County, Virginia Marriage Bonds, 1786-1858 [database online]. Orem, UT: Ancestry.com, 1999. Original data: Wingfield, Marshall. Marriage Bonds of Franklin County, Virginia. Memphis, TN: West Tennessee Historical Society, 1939.
    • Angela Chapman Brigman notes: Re: [VACUMBER-L] Jno. Chapman Date: Wed, 9 Sep 1998 23:35:13 EDT
    *snip* about Nathan Chapman. He was born (according to family lore....and the DAR) at Watering Branch, VA (currently Lynchburg, VA) in 1761. According to his testimony (as well as two other soldiers), he enlisted for the Revolutionary War in Cumberland County, VA in 1777/8 and served with Capt. Beverly Stubbenfield under the command of Col. Richard Parker in "Parker's Detachment". He was taken prisoner in the siege of Charleston and was prisoner for at least nine months on the British prison ship "Belvidiere" until 1781. He was exchanged just before the siege of Yorktown and learned of the American victory on his way to the siege. He then returned to Cumberland Co. Va and later moved to Bedford Co. VA in 1784 with his friend Jeremiah Basham (also a war buddy). A copy of this testimony can be seen at the following website. He married Elizabeth Coleman in Franklin County, VA in 1781. He lived in Bedford Co. Va until his death in 1829.
    (**It is interesting to note that his widow, Elizabeth Coleman, testified that he enlisted in AMELIA CO. VA with Joshua Chaffin. Her version is the one the US government has in his files. The Virginia State Library and Bedford County, Va have his earlier statements....I happen to think that the soldier is right and that his widow may have been confused as it was over 50 years after the fact!)
    I do feel that Nathan Chapman did live in Cumberland County, VA for several reasons:
    (1) he has testified that he enlisted in Cumberland County, Va....which would be natural if he lived in the county at the time, (2) his war buddy, and eventual brother-in-law, Elisha Bowles testified that he saw Nathan enlist in the Rev. War in Cumberland County, VA....more fuel to the fire, and (3)his war buddies, Elisha, Jeremiah Basham and a Mr. James all came from Cumberland County,VA.
    However, I don't think that Nathan would be listed in any deeds or court documents (unless it is a will, etc.) due to the fact that he was a minor at the time and to my knowledge did not own any land.*snip
    CHILDREN: Issue: Henry Harrison, Nathaniel Jr., MaryAnn Jones, Lydia, John S., Elizabeth S., Jane, James, and Chloe. ** **
    • 1. Henry Harrison Chapman b October 16, 1793 Bedford Co VA d October 4, 1862 Roanoke, VA md Nancy Ann Wright July 13, 1824 Bedford Co VA b February 21, 1806 Bedford County, Virginia.d January 24, 1863 Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia. dau of Tommey; Jubal Wright**) and Cynthia Mayse ** Buried in Salem, VA
      • ** Bedford County Marriage Bonds: Jul. 13, 1824; Henry H. Chapman & Nancy Wright, dt Tommey; Jubal Wright, Surety. **
      • 1. Henry Clay Chapman b. 17 Nov 1833 in Roanoke County, Virginia d: 4 Jun 1894 in Roanoke County, Virginia md Susan Catherine Deyerle 13 DEC 1854 in Roanoke County, Virginia b. About 1835 son of Benjamin Deyerle
        --- Benjamin Deyerle and Plantation at Grarst Mill **
        ---1880 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > BLACKWATER DIST Series: T9 Roll: 1366 Page: 5
        • 1. Charles William Chapman b. 12 Nov 1856 in Roanoke County, Virginia d 16 Oct 1918 in Roanoke County, Virginia md Laura Virginia Hatcher 21 OCT 1885 in Roanoke County, Virginia b. 5 Oct 1856 in Roanoke County, Virginia . They are buried at Hatcher Goodwin Chapman Cemetery, RoanokeCo, VA
          ---1900 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > SALEM DIST Series: T623 Roll: 1725 Page: 166

          ---1910 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > SALEM Series: T624 Roll: 1646 Page: 156
          ---1920 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > SALEM Series: T625 Roll: 1908 Page: 193
        • 2. Benjamin H. Chapman b. 27 Sep 1859 in Franklin County, Virginia d 25 Nov 1863 in Franklin County, Virginia
        • 3. Jennie Lee Chapman b. 1864 in Virginia d After 1920 md Robert R. Penn b. 1854 in Virginia
          ---1900 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > BLACKWATER DIST Series: T623 Roll: 1709 Page: 10

          ---1910 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > BLACKWATER Series: T624 Roll: 1629 Page: 13
        • 4. Ira Deyerle Chapman b. 2 Jun 1867 in Franklin County, Virginia d: 20 Aug 1940 in Roanoke County, Virginia md Marion Edna White 14 MAY 1891 in Franklin County, Virginia b. 1869 in Virginia
          --- 1900 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > BLACKWATER DIST Series: T623 Roll: 1709 Page: 13

          --- 1910 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > BLACKWATER Series: T624 Roll: 1629 Page: 12

          --- 1920 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > SALEM Series: T625 Roll: 1908 Page: 213
          • 1. Melva Susan Chapman b. 8 Jan 1893 in Virginia d 2 Feb 1988 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia md Edgar T. Hines 27 JUL 1929 in Roanoke County, Virginia
          • 2. Charles Mortimer Chapman b. 24 Jun 1894 in Franklin County, Virginia d 20 Dec 1967 in Virginia md Lenore DeHart 14 APR 1922
          • 3. Ira Dalton Chapman b. 26 Jul 1896 in Franklin County, Virginia d 17 Jun 1921 [Struck and killed by lighting ] md Doris White Chitwood 26 AUG 1920 in Franklin County, Virginia b. 30 May 1899 in Franklin County, Virginia
          • 4. Walter Clay Chapman b. 3 Apr 1899 in Roanoke County, Virginia d 30 Mar 1961
          • 5. Carroll Shaver Chapman b 10 Jan 1901 Virginia d 6 Apr 1962 md Mildred Elizabeth Reynolds 25 DEC 1928
          • 6. William Frank Chapman b. 12 Apr 1903 in Virginia d 18 Jun 1968 in Roanoke County, Virginia md Wilma Cross 16 MAR 1929 in Roanoke County, Virginia
          • 7. Benjamin Edgar Chapman b. 14 Apr 1905 in Virginia d 12 Jan 1984 in Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia married Mary Ellen Cook
          • 8. Robert Ed. Lee Chapman b. 15 Apr 1907 in Blackwater, Franklin County, Virginia d 24 Jun 1994 Montgomery County, Virginia md Pearl Henderson 29 MAR 1934 in Roanoke County, Virginia
          • 9. Wesley M Chapman b 1909 VA
        • 5. Son Chapman b. 4 Aug 1870 d 9 Aug 1870
        • 6. Augusta Ann Chapman b. 1873 in Virginia
        • 7. Geota Chapman b 1873 VA
        • 8. Julia Elizabeth Chapman b. 1876 in Virginia md Benjamin W. Angle 1898 in Franklin Co, VA b. 1873 VA
          --- 1920 Store Merchant / General Stoe
          ---1910 > VIRGINIA > FRANKLIN > ROCKY MT Series: T624 Roll: 1629 Page: 183
      • 2. Whitfield H. Chapman b. 19 Jun 1825 in Roanoke County, Virginia d 12 Feb 1827 in Roanoke County, Virginia
      • 3. Eveline H. Chapman b. 6 Mar 1827 in Virginia
      • 4. Pauline C. Chapman b. 27 Jun 1829 in Virginia d 3 Aug 1844
      • 5. Maria Chapman b. 7 Apr 1834 in Virginia d 1848 in Virignia md (1) Lafayette W. Gray 23 FEB 1851 in Roanoke County, Virginia b. 1825 in Virginia (2) Wright P. ___ afft 1853 in Lynchburg, Va.
      • 6. Thomas James Chapman b. 20 Jan 1837 in Virginia d 16 Dec 1863 in Civil War battle near Roanoke
      • 7. Flavius Josephus Chapman b. 29 Jun 1839 in Virginia d 1 Feb 1894 md Clementine Persinger b. 1843 in Roanoke, Botetourt County, Virginia
      • 8. Columbia A. Chapman b. 1842 md John Henry Palmer 1864 in Roanoke County, Virginia b. 1840 in Massachusetts
    • 2. Nathaniel (Nathan) Chapman Jr. b 1795 married Minerva Coleman SEE BELOW
    • 3. Mary Ann Jones Chapman b 1804 Bedford Co VA md Anthony Evans, Jr. Apr. 10, 1820 in Bedford County, VA
      Anthony Evans, Jr. was a lawyer in the county and surrounding area. He performed many legal services for the Nathan Chapman family **
      • Bedford County VA Marriage Bonds : ** ** Apr. 10, 1820; Anthony Evans, Jr. & Mary Ann Jones Chapman; Nathan Chapman, Surety; Married by William Leftwich, April 27, 1820.
      • ??**A Mary Chapman m. Robert Nimmo on Nov. 2, 1802 Bedford Co VA d/o Nathan **
    • 4. Lydia "Lucy" Chapman b. 1805 Bedford Co., VA, d. Aug 10 1890 FCVA of old age, 80y married
      (1) S Jordan Bef 1829
      (2) John Mitchell Nov. 25, 1833 Bedford County VA
      John A. Mitchell, b. 9-26-1804 Amelia Co., VA, d. 4-5-1885 of kidney disease, 79y 7m 10d, s/o John & Susan or s/o John Mitchell & Obedience Vaughn. John m. Lydia Chapman. All per desc. He is buried in the Camp Creek Cemetery, FCVA. **
      WFT_Vol 1_H4169
      1850 FCVA H460: John Mitchell, 46 yo w/m farmer, b. Amelia, $0, HOH. 1850 FCVA H460: Lydia 39 yo w/f, b. Bedford, can not read or write.
      1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: John Mitchell, 55 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, $0/80, HOH. 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Lydia 49 yo w/f, b. VA.
      1870 FCVA LR H334: John Mitchell, 65 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, $0/200, HOH. 1870 FCVA LR H334: Lydia 55 yo w/f, b. VA, keeping house.
      1880 FCVA LR H201: John Mitchell, 75 yo father yo w/m farmer, b. VA, Thomas J. Mitchell HOH. (son) 1880 FCVA LR H201: Lydia Mitchell, 70 yo mother, b. VA, Thomas J. Mitchell HOH. (son)
      1890 FCVA LR: Lydia Mitchell, 80 yo, with Henry T. Mitchell, as HOH.
      NOTE: Bedford County Marriage Bonds: Nov. 25, 1833; John Mitchell & Lydia Chapman, dt Elizabeth; Nathaniel Chapman, Surety. ** ** ** **
      • 1. Ellen H. Mitchell b. c1837 Roanoke Co., VA. m. Walter Holt 1-18-1862 FCVA
        He 21 yo single w/m farmer, b. & living in Floyd, s/o Smithen Holt & Olivia Richards. She 24 yo single w/f, b. Roanoke & living in Floyd, d/o J. Mitchell.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Elen 13 yo w/f, b. Roanoke.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Ellen H. 22 yo w/f, b. VA.
      • 2. Charles M. Mitchell b. c1838 Roanoke Co., VA.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Charlie 12 yo w/m, b. Roanoke.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Charles M. 21 yo w/m, b. VA.
      • 3. John W. Mitchell b. c1840 Roanoke Co., VA. md. Caroline Cole on 29 Oct 1868 Kanawha Co, WV b abt 1835 ; d/o John Bryant Cole (Abt 1791-Bef 1860) & Ann Wilmuth Starke (Abt 1795- ) ** ** **
        • Census, 1850 Floyd Co VA H460: John W. 10 yo w/m, b. Roanoke.
        • Census, 1860 Floyd Co VA FCH PO H3: John W. 20 yo w/m, b. VA.
        • Census, 1870 - Kanawha Co, WV Cab. Ck. Dist. #72-72
        • Census, 1880 - Kanawha Co, WV Cab. Ck. Dist. Pg34 Occupation, 1880 - Farmer
        --- David Bragg --[Email 12-2005] There are two retired schoolteacher sisters in Malden, West Virginia. They are Llewellyn Cole and Martha Cole. They are distant cousins of mine. My grandmother told me a story about how Jessie James had a meal at their house when she was a small child. I thought Jessie and Frank James might have been kin or had members of our family in his gang. Why else would Jessie eat at their house? I thought the person in his gang might be Cole Younger, Being that the name Cole was a last name in our family. My grandmother’s grandmother was Ann Wilmuth Cole. She lived with my Grandmother at the time of the meal. Later on in life, I found that Jessie James's mother’s maiden name was Cole and he had a grandfather by the name of John Cole. His grandfather John Cole moved from Pittsburgh Pa. to Virginia. Our Grandfather John B. Cole was run out of Pittsburgh for bootlegging.
        --I met the Cole sisters Lewellyn and Martha for the first time in about the year 2000. I told them this story and they looked at me strange and said, that what I had told them solidified a myth in their family about being kin to someone in the Jessie James Gang. They also thought it might have been Cole Younger, as there was a Younger family in the valley.
        -- I looked up some information on Cole Younger. It indicated that Jessie’s mother might have been kin to Cole Younger.
        -- The Cole sisters are in the DAR. They believe they are in the DAR through the Starke family. The father of Wilmuth Starke is believed to have been a Colonel in the American Army. His name was Colonel John Starke and he is believed to have been in charge of the committee for safety. He came from Hanover County Virginia. David Bragg
        • 1. James Mitchell b. Abt Jul 1869 - Kanawha County, West Virginia
        • 2. Lydia Mitchell b. Abt 1871 - West Virginia
        • 3. Wilmot Mitchell b. Abt 1872 - West Virginia
        • 4. John Mitchell b. Abt 1875 - West Virginia
      • 4. Henry Thomas Mitchell md b. 2-14-1842 Roanoke Co., VA, d. 3-2-1917. He buried in the Camp Creek Cemetery, FCVA. md. Martha J. Howery 3-14-1867 FCVA b. 11-4-1849, d. 9-8-1904 FCVA, d/o Preston Howery & Elizabeth Cannaday. She buried in the Camp Creek Cemetery, FCVA.
        He 45 yo single w/m farmer, b. & living in Floyd, s/o John & Lydia (Chapman) Mitchell. She 35 yo single w/f, b. & living in Floyd, d/o Preston & Elizabeth (Cannaday) Howery.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Henry 9 yo w/m, b. Roanoke.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Henry T. 15 yo w/m, b. VA.
        • 1870 FCVA LR H334: Henry T. 27 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, $1,150/100, HOH. (mar. but with parents).; Martha J. 20 yo w/f, b. VA, without occ.
        • 1880 FCVA LR H201: Thomas J. Mitchell, 38 yo w/m farmer, b. VA, HOH. (name chg) ; Martha 30 yo wife, b. VA.
        • 1890 FCVA LR: Henry T. Mitchell, 48 yo HOH.; Martha J. 40 yo.
        • 1900 FCVA LR17 Pg11 H88: Thomas Mitchell, 57 yo w/m farmer, b. Feb 1843 VA, m. 33y, O-M-F-3 HOH.; Martha J. 50 yo wife, b. Nov 1849 VA, m. 33y, 10 ch with 10 living.
        • 1.
        • 2.
        • 3.
        • 4.
        • 5.
        • 6.
        • 7.
        • 8.
        • 9.
        • 10.
      • 5. Samuel C. Mitchell b. c1843 Roanoke Co., VA.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Sam 7 yo w/m, b. Roanoke.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Samuel C. 16 yo w/m, b. VA.
      • 6. Elizabeth S. Mitchell b. c1845 FCVA Co., VA. md . George W. Sowers 11-28-1867 FCVA. He 25 yo single w/m farmer, b. & living in Floyd, s/o David Sowers & Margaret Spangler She 21 yo single w/f, b. & living in Floyd, d/o John Mitchell & Lydia Chapman.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Elizabeth 5 yo w/f, b. Floyd.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Elizabeth S. 15 yo w/f, b. VA.
      • 7. Mary Jane Mitchell b. c1847 FCVA.
        • 1850 FCVA H460: Mary J. 3 yo w/f, b. Floyd.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Mary Jane 12 yo w/f, b. VA.
      • 8. Nancy Ann Mitchell b. 6-12-1850 FCVA, d. 9-14-1924, Bur: Howery Cemetery, in woods behind Lois Cook’s home on 2663 Bethleham Church Road, FCVA. md ___ Howery 11-28-1867 FCVA.
        ---He 21 yo single w/m farmer, b. & living in Floyd, s/o Preston Howery & Elizabeth Cannaday She 18 yo single w/f, b. & living in Floyd, d/o J. & L. Mitchell.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Nancy Ann 9 yo w/f, b. VA.
      • 9. Betsey Mitchell b. 12-20-1853 FCVA
      • 10. Obedience Mitchell b. c1854 VA.
        • 1860 FCVA FCH PO H3: Obedience 6 yo w/f, b. VA.
        • 1870 FCVA LR H334: Susan 16 yo w/f, b. VA, at home.
    • 5. John S. Chapman b. Oct 8 1801 Bedford Co VA d Nov 16 1854 Roanoke VA md. Nancy Deyerle Nov 12 1827 Roanoke VA
      • **Marriages in VA JOHN S.CHAPMAN : DEYERLE, NANCY 12 NOV 1827 MONTGOMERY CO
      • 1. Crockett Chapman b 1832 VA
        • 1.
          • 1.
            • 1.
              • 1.
                • 1. Evelyn Carla Davenport
                  We recently had our DNA done. Are there any other Chapman cuzins that have had theirs done or are willing to do.. So we can make life more interesting?? Let us know !!
      • 2. Jane Chapman b 1833
      • 3. Nathaniel Chapman b 1834
        --- 1870 Census Va ..unable to read the co or distrist
      • 4. Catharine Chapman b 1837
      • 5. Mary F Chapman b 1839
      • 6. Eliza Chapman b 1840
      • 7. John Chapman b 1842
      • 8. Susan Chapman b 1844
      • 9. Lucy Chapman b 1846
      • 10. Nancy Chapman b 1849
    • 6. Elizabeth S. Chapman b 1801 Bedford Co VA bef 1846 md. John Deyerle Sept. 17,1828 Bedford Co VA
      • Bedford County VA Marriage Bonds : Sep. 5, 1828; John Deyerle & Elizabeth S. Chapman, dt Nathaniel; Anthony Evans, Jr., Surety; Married by William Leftwich, Sept. 17,1828 **
      • John Deyerle md. Permelia Mayse
        • Bedford County VA Marriage Bonds : Oct. 14, 1846; John Deyerle & Permelia Mayse, dt James; James D. K. Mayse, Surety. p. 905. **
    • 7. Jane Chapman b 1808 married Samuel Burnett 27 Oct 1832 Bedford Co VA b. abt 1812 in Bedford Co, Va son of John Burnett and Elizabeth ___
      • Bedford County VA Marriage Bonds : Oct. 27, 1832; Samuel Burnett & Jane Chapman; John Coleman, Surety; Married by James Leftwich, Oct. 31, 1832. **
      ---Living in Bedford Co, Va1850 and 1860.
      He was married to (1) 1832 Jane Chapman (2) 1866 Delila Trent (3) 1873 Laveria DeLong ** ** **
    • 8. James Chapman b 1814 d aft 1870 Bedford Co VA
      There is a James Chapman listed in the 1850 Federal Census for Campbell County, Virginia
    • 9. Chloe Chapman b abt 1812 Bedford Co VA
      --There is a Chloe dau of Nat. Coleman listed in Cape Cod, Barnstable County, Massachusetts Obituaries (Jul-Dec 1843)
      • November 23, 1843 --In Osterville, 18th inst., Miss Chloe COLEMAN, daughter of Mr. Nat. COLEMAN, aged 30 years.
    • 10. Walter Chapman [Walter?? MILITARY (ACB-291, BCB)]




  • Nathaniel (Nathan) Chapman Jr. b 1795 d aft 1880 bef 1890 Bedford Co VA married Minerva Coleman Franklin Co., VA December 9, 1831 in Campbell Co., VA b.1808 d aft 1880 bef 1890 dau of Robert S Coleman and Mary "Polly" Dew
    --- 1850 Census, Campbell County, VA


    ---1870 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY TWP Series: M593 Roll: 1635 Page: 228

    --- 1880 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY Series: T9 Roll: 1355 Page: 194
    Nathaniel and Minerva are living with son Robert Chapman and Mary ___
    • 1. Robert S Chapman b 1832 md
      1) Angeline Tucker 1851 Campbell County, VA b. 1839 in VA
      2) Mary E ___ abt 1870
      --- 1870 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY TWP Series: M593 Roll: 1635 Page: 226

      --- 1880 Census > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY Series: T9 Roll: 1355 Page: 194

      --- 1900 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LISBON DIST Series: T623 Roll: 1700 Page: 202
      • 1. Rose Chapman b. 1852 VA
      • 2. Nathaniel Chapman b. 1853 VA
      • 3. Mary Virginia Chapman b. 1858 VA
      • 4. John C Chapman b 1862 VA
      • 5. Edward Samuel Chapman b 1863 VA
      • 6. David C Chapman b 1868 VA
      • 7. Lulla Chapman b July 1884
      • 8. Bessie Chapman b Sept 1885
    • 2. Mary V. Chapman ("Mittie") b 1834 married Isaac B. Smith
    • 3. John C. Chapman b 1836 married Anne___ and moved to Mississippi
    • 4. James Ottoway Chapman b March 1, 1838 d June 9, 1919 Buchanan Co, VA married Annie Chappell Lawless
      --- 1880 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LISBON DIST Series: T9 Roll: 1356 Page: 237
    • 5. Patrick Henry Chapman (1841-1864 in Elmira NY of Typhoid)
    • 6. Ann V Chapman b 1842 married Tom Coleman
      ---1870 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY TWP Series: M593 Roll: 1635 Page: 228
    • 7. Peter Buford Chapman b 1846 SEE BELOW
    • 8. Louisa J. Chapman b 1848 married John Holdren
      --- 1880 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > CHAMBLISSBURG DIST Series: T9 Roll: 1355 Page: 28
      • 1. George Holdren
      • 2. Thomas J Holdren
      • 3. John W Holdren
      • 4. Minerva Holdern b 1880
    • 9. Matilda Chapman b 1854 VA married William Bates b 1850 VA
      --- 1880 Census > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LIBERTY Series: T9 Roll: 1355 Page: 194
      • 1. Orville B Bates b 1878 VA
      • 2. Heatter L Bates b 1879 VA




  • Peter Buford Chapman was born 1846 and died > 1921. married Bettie Virginia Lawless .
    *---Buford Chapman * Virginia Lawless might be buried Botetourt County. Bedford Va; Buford worked for the N&W Railroad. • Info from Mary Jane Gardner Taylor - daughter of Ida Mae Chapman and Jones Gardner (my mother) Virginia Lawless died when Ida Mae Chapman as but 4 years old in 1892. Mary Jane can recall stories her mother(Ida Mae) told of doing chores and each having things they did at their home. Nothing was mentioned of holidays or family or of family members. Buford lived with Ida Mae Gardner and William Issac Jones Gardner in Colonial Heights , Roanoke Va .
    Mary Jane, as a child, recalls her mother telling a few stories. : "At night Buford would holler up the stairs and Say, "Chaps, do you have those kittens in bed with you?" They would put their feet on the floor and say No and then get back in bed with the kittens. They didnt fib , as they were out of bed , so it wasnt telling a fib.
    When Buford Chapman lived in Coloniel Heights with his daughter Ida Mae and family , Mary Jane recalls them going to the coal pile to get coal and carry it into the house. Buford would take William who was a little feller, along with him. He would say "Chap, you are such a big boy to be carrying coal". Mary Jane doesnt recall a man or older man being around as she was to little to recall it , best we can figure out.
    Buford was ill with bad asthma and exema. Bad sores on his legs from exema.
    Buford died when William was a little boy. William was born in 1921 and Mary Jane in 1926 and isnt sure if she just recalls the conversations or was around when Buford lived with them. **
    1870 Ann Coleman listed in that census is Buford's sister, and probably the other Nathan is his brother. Found 2 Nathans in the census records.
    CHAPMAN NATHAN 65 M W VA VA BEDFORD LIBERTY TWP 1870
    CHAPMAN NATHAN 36 M W VA VA ROANOKE CAVE SPRING TWP 1870
    ---1880 > VIRGINIA > BEDFORD > LISBON DIST Series: T9 Roll: 1356 Page: 237
    --- Peter was living [boarder] was living with his brother James and his family

    ---1900, Virginia ROANOKE BIG LICK DIST Series: T623 Roll: 1725 Page: 112
    CHAPMAN BU??? 51 M W VA VA ROANOKE BIG LICK DIST 1900----- , carpenter, living on Norfolk Ave (no house no.) -Son Bowie b Nov 1880 painter?, girls -at school

    ---1910 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > KIMBALL-WD ROANOKE Series: T624 Roll: 1646 Page: 192

    They lived at 37 Shlum? Shrum? (can't read) Ave. or/on? 4th Ave NE.?
    They were living on Gilmer Ave. on 4th Ave. NE,Roanoke County, Roanoke City, Kimball Ward.

    • 1. Bowyer Douglas Chapman b Nov 1 1881 d September 14, 1962 PA md Bessie Wilson from Christiansburg, VA. June 6th, 1906 They met in Pittsburgh, PA where the Wilson's had a rooming house and Bowyer rented a room after finding a job up north. This was around the turn of the century.

      Listed on the back of the photo is information of their names. Back of photo is some writing and notes Ida Mae (my grandmother -wrote on it)
      In the 1910 Census note spelling of Bowyer as Boyer : Bessie is listed as granddaughter...that is an error ..she should have been listed as daughter
      ---1910 Census> PENNSYLVANIA > ALLEGHENY > CHARTIERS TWP Series: T624 Roll: 1293 Page: 15
      • 1. Horace C Chapman b Aug 28 1907, PA d Jun 15 1995 Rochester, PA
        --- Last residence: 15074 (Rochester, Beaver, PA)
        --- SS# 193-09-7125
      • 2. Louisa Chapman
      • 3. William Chapman
    • 2. Lillian Chapman was born May 1883 died 1930? married Edward B Garvin b March 1900 [census below] son of Edward Garvin b VA and Lizzie J ___ b VA
      --- 1900 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > 5-WD ROANOKE Series: T623 Roll: 1739 Page: 213
      • 1. William Vernon Garvin b __ md ___
        --- William ran a motel in Melbourne Florida in 1950
    • 3. Pearl E. Chapman was born Jun? 1885 married Robert Palmer
      He was in the Navy and died at Sea and buried at sea when children were young.
      • 1. Jean Palmer married Windel Wimmer b 1918, Mar 4 d 1994, Aug 30 Roanoke, VA
        • 1. Shirley Wimmer married Dickie ?
          • 1. boy
          • 2. boy
            • boy
        • 2. Tommy Wimmer
      • 2. Margurite Palmer (lives in California 2003) * m ? Briskey/Briskie
    • 4. Ida Mae Chapman was born Jan 1888 in Carroll Co., Virginia. Married William Issac Jones Gardner SEE BELOW
    • 5. Maud Chapman was born 1891 married John W. "Jack" Bowdel
      ---1930 > VIRGINIA > ROANOKE > BIG LICK DIST (SOUTHEAST PART) Series: T626 Roll: 2458 Page: 149
      • 1. Francis C BOWDEL b 1916 married Wanda Rose Stanley 1950's?
        -- Wanda was sister to Gay (Gaynale) Stanley . Gay md Lester Barker --.lived Forest Hills, Ky - worked on NNRR Williamson WV..Gay & Lesters' children Bill and Barbara Barker . Forrest Hills KY
        • 2.. Jackie BOWDEL
      • 2. Anna Mae BOWDEL b 1919 (RoanokeVA) married 1.George Lucas 2. George Blackburn
        • 1. Annette Lucas
      • 3. Rachael BOWDEL b 1922 married Alan Turner
        • 1. son
        • 2.
        • 3.
      • 4. Rosalie BOWDEL b 1927 md Charles Tuttle - (Winston Salem2003)
        • 1.SON




    • Ida Mae Chapman was born February 4, 1888 in Botetourt County Va., Married William Issac Jones Gardner Oct 31 1912 at Belmont Baptist Parsanage Roanoke Va. He died in 1950 . Buried in Woodlawn United Methodist Cem., Carroll Co., Virginia.

      She grew up in Botetourt County, Bedford, Virginia. She died in Woodlawn, Va, July 13, 1963 and is buried in Woodlawn United Methodist Cemetary, Carroll Co, Woodlawn, Va.

      She attended school thru the 3rd grade.Self taught herself to read and write, along with her children as they attended school. She read the Bible daily.

      The picture shown above, is of them dated that day. Here is what the back of the picture reads. They lived in Roanoke Va and Hillsville Va. They had a country and city family, Ida Mae refered to them.
      • 1. Mazie Geraldine Gardner married Guy Edison Tabor
      • 2. Elizabeth Margaret Tabor married Tommy Armstrong
      • 3. Mildred Leigh Gardner married Harry Clark Farris
      • 4. Evelyn Elizabeth Gardner married Roland Holland Hilbert
      • 5. William Melvin Gardner married Betty Williams
      • 6. Lawrence Carrollton Gardner married Freda Hill
      • 7. Mary Jane Gardner married Keith Bremmen Taylor SEE BELOW
      • 8. James Edward Gardner married Betty Ayers

      William Issac Jones Gardner website
      CHILDREN DETAILED

      August 2003 Reunion Woodlawn, Virginia
      Ida Mae Chapman and Jones Gardner Family

      Mazie Geraldine

      Mildred Leigh

      Evelyn Elizabeth

      William Melvin

      Lawrence Carrollton

      Mary Jane

      James Edward




    • Mary Jane GARDNER (1926-living) married Keith Bremmen TAYLOR
      • 1. Michael Keith TAYLOR (1952-stillborn)
      • 2. Victoria Lynn Taylor True (1952-living) md (1) (2) Paul D. (Tungate) True SEE BELOW
      • 3. Michael Waylor Taylor (living)
      • 4. Kenneth Lee Taylor (living)
      • 5. William Martin Taylor (living)

      • Victoria Lynn

      Michael Wayne

      Kenneth Lee

      William Martin




    • Victoria Lynn Taylor TRUE (1952-living)
      • 1. Brian Michael TRUE (living)
      • 2. Jason Douglas TRUE (living)
      • 3. Angela Nicole TRUE (living)





      NOTES FOR RESEARCHERS
      1870 Ann Coleman listed in that census is Buford's sister, and probably the other Nathan is his brother. Found 2 Nathans in the census records.
      CHAPMAN NATHAN 65 M W VA VA BEDFORD LIBERTY TWP 1870
      CHAPMAN NATHAN 36 M W VA VA ROANOKE CAVE SPRING TWP 1870
      Database: Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots
      Name Cemetery Location Reference
      Nathan CHAPMANFam cem Bedford Co VA 73 Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vol.1,
      Source Information: Hatcher, Patricia Law. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots. [database on-line] Provo, UT: Ancestry.com, 1999-. Original data: Hatcher, Patricia Law. Abstract of Graves of Revolutionary Patriots, Vols. 1-4, Dallas, TX: Pioneer Heritage Press, 1987.





      If you have pictures old/current you can share with for any family or add to the groups related to that person "PLEASE" email me at kentuckywebmaster@yahoo.com or call me. If you mail me the pics I can scan them and return originals to you / I will then add to the Family Tree group or you can scan email them to me .If you have a digital camera you can take a picture of a photo and email it. Please date & name all in the pictures.
      Thanks - Vickie


      From Jean Chapman Snow's column:
      "Baubles From the Céopman's Bag"
      Chapman Family Association Newsletter,
      July 1995

      THE CHAPMAN MEANING

      My freshman year German professor looked at my registration card."Ah," he said. "Fraülein Kaufman. Welcome." Seeing my puzzled look, he continued. "A Chapman is a Kaufman. A peddler."

      "But, but my family comes from England."

      And peddler? I pictured a wandering gypsy selling cheap baubles. I was only eighteen and my interest in genealogy was many years in the future. Still, through the next two years of German I was Fraülein Kaufman.

      You erudite Chappies out there are way ahead of me, of course. You know that our name does come from the Old High German choufman or koufman which became the Old English céapman. Old High German chouph, Old Saxon cop and Old English céap meant barter, business, dealing, which, combined with mann or man, gave us our name.

      But spelling bees and dictionaries were centuries away. Our name was also spelled cepeman, cypman, cypmann, chepmon, caepmon, even shapman! You know from your ancestor hunting how quirky spelling was, even in the 1800s. The further you go back in time, the more capricious it becomes.

      My two volume Oxford English Dictionary supplies four meanings for chapman. A chapman was a man whose business was buying and selling-a merchant, trader or dealer. Second, he was an itinerant dealer who travelled about from place to place selling or buying; one who kept booths at markets etc; a hawker, a pedlar (English spelling).

      The third meaning is that of an agent in a commercial transaction, a negotiator or broker. Cypemen are mentioned as early as c.890, but alas, I am unable to read and understand the Old English and Old Saxon examples. Fourth, a chapman was a purchaser or customer. A quote from 1642, in English that I can understand, says "It is not a meete thing that man should be both chapman and customer." Hmm?

      There is a citation that appears to be a law handed down by Edward VI in 1553. A Petty chapman was a retail dealer. Edward said "No Tinker, Pedler, or petit Chapman shall wander about from the Towne but such as shall be licenced by two Justices of Peace." What would they think of today's monthly and quarterly forms and frequent law changes?

      A 1592 example called us "Chapmen, able to spred more pamphlets...then (sic) all the bookesellers in London." That reminds us that chapbooks were the popular literature of the time-The Enquirer of the 1500s! Small pamphlets of popular tales, ballads, and tracts were circulated by itinerant dealers or chapmen.

      Some of our ancestors were solid middle class merchants with shops. Others were much needed wandering dealers and peddlers. How much needed, I had forgotten by the time of my German class.

      Much later I remembered my early childhood. During the Depression my father lost his business in New York City and we moved to our summer house at Lake Oscawana (Putnam Valley, NY). The nearest town, Peekskill, is about nine miles away. No supermarkets or mom and pop stores adorned every crossroads then.

      My mother was grateful for the iceman who came twice a week in summer, and for the man who showed up several times a year in his truck to sharpen scissors and knives. My sister, Chappie Eleanor Lent, remembers weekly deliveries from a vegetable man, a butcher, a fish seller, and twice a week the bread man. And, oh yes, the Watkins man, with his vanilla and lemon extracts and spices.

      We didn't call them chapmen, but they filled that niche for country folk. So despite jokes about travelling salesmen and peddlers, whatever the spelling, we can be proud to belong to the great family of Chapmans.

      Note: Several accents may not come across....For Your Information:
      1. There is a German umlaut (double dot) on the "u" in Fraulein.
      2. What French calls an "accent aigu" is on the "e" in "Ceopman's Bag,"
      "Old English ceapman" as well as the e in Old English ceap."
      3. Between the two "Buts" is an em dash.

      Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever-----Isaiah 30:8

      I saw behind me those who had gone, and before me those who are to come. I looked back and saw my father and his father and all our fathers, and in front to see my son and his son, and the sons upon sons beyond. And their eyes were my eyes. As I felt so they had felt, and were to feel, as then, so now, as tomorrow and forever. Then I was not afraid, for I was in a long line that had no beginning and no end. And the hand of his father grasped my father's hand and his hand was in mine, and my unborn son took my right hand and all, up and down the line that stretched from Time That Was to Time That Is and Is Not Yet, raised their hands to show the link. And we found that we were one....
      From: "How Green Was My Valley", by Richard Llewellyn
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