Benjamin F. Chapman (1831 - 1904)

CHAPMAN, BRELSFORD, GRAVES

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 12/7/2021 at 21:53:49

The Osceola Sentinel , Osceola, Iowa
July 21, 1904 , page 1

Osceola people were shocked to hear Monday that Mr. B. F. Chapman, one of Osceola's pioneer jewelers, had been stricken with paralysis. He lingered but a short time and died about noon Monday. Mr. Chapman was in the yard Sunday evening when the attack came on him. His wife heard him call and hurried to his side, assisting him to the house, but he rapidly grew worse until the end.

The funeral was held at his late home Wednesday in charge of Rev. Dawson. The Masonic order, of which deceased was a member, attended in a body and burial took place in the Osceola cemetery under the ritualistic exercises of that order.

Mr. Chapman enlisted himself in the jewelry business in Osceola in 1856 and remained in this business until a few years ago when he moved to Missouri and resided a year or so. He returned later and has since lived in Osceola.

When he came to Osceola in 1856 it was a village of only a few houses. He came from Oskaloosa walking and carrying his jeweler's tools. Mr. Chapman was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 20, 1831, and received his education at the public schools of his native town. At age of sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the jeweler's trade. Coming to Iowa at end of his time, he stopped a year with cousin, a jeweler, in Oskaloosa, thence came to Osceola. He was married in 1856 to Miss Brelsford, of Oskaloosa, a lady who was a native of the same county (Muskingum) in which Mr. Chapman was born.

Three children were born to this marriage but only one. Mrs. Elon Graves, is living. In the pioneer times Mr. Chapman was honored with several offices of trust. He was deputy postmaster in 1856, and was city treasurer three terms. He was a man of sturdy, strong personality and an honored and useful citizen. His aged wife, daughter and many friends have the deepest sympathy of the community.

The Osceola Democrat , Osceola, Iowa
July 21, 1904 , page 4

Another of Osceola's highly respected and well known pioneer citizens was buried this week. B. F. Chapman, the pioneer jeweler of the town, died at his home in Osceola on Monday of this week aged 73 years, 3 months, and 21 days. Mr. Chapman had been in rather feeble health for some years, but for a short time before his death had felt better than usual.

On Sunday he was up and about his place doing chores and spoke of feeling well. About six o'clock he was missed, and Mrs. Chapman on going to the barn discovered him in an almost helpless condition and suffering from a shock of some kind. She assisted him into the house but he grew continually worse and died the next day.

Mr. Chapman came to Osceola' from Zanesville, Ohio in 1856, bringing his newly made bride with him. He has resided in Osceola ever since and has been recognized as one of our best and most popular citizens. He was one of the charter members of the Masonic lodge of Osceola and gave a great deal of his time to Masonry, until failing health prevented his regular attendance upon lodge. He was the father of three children, only one of whom, Mrs. Elon Graves, survives him. He leaves also his stricken widow who was his devoted companion in all his life in Osceola.

His funeral was held at his late residence on Wednesday afternoon. The services were conducted by Dr. Dawson of the M. E. church. The Masons attended In a body and accompanied the remains to Maple Hill cemetery where they were laid to rest.

gravestone photo at Findagrave
 

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