Chapman, James M. 1825-1906

CHAPMAN, AVERY, KELSEY

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 4/9/2015 at 19:47:20

James Monroe Chapman was born on a farm near Newbury, Orange county, Vermont, Dec. 6th, 1825, and died in Luana Dec. 14, 1906.

He grew to manhood at his boyhood home in Vermont, working the home farm until he came west to Grant county, Wis. in the spring of 1853. In 1852 he was married to Sarah M. Avery, who came with him when he came west. They came to Luana from Wisconsin in March, 1854, where they settled on a farm north of where the M.E. church now stands.

His wife lived but a few years after coming to Luana and on Aug 3rd, 1869, he was married to Susan M. Kelsey, at Pomfeit, Vt., and together they came to Luana and built their home where they have since resided.

To this union one child was born, Susan M., who has lived to care for and comfort their declining years.

Mr. Chapman engaged in grain buying for a good many years, and when the railroad first came through Luana and a post office was established, here he was elected first postmaster. After serving two years as postmaster he resigned in Mr. Mott's favor. In 1898 he was again appointed postmaster and served faithfully for eight years, when failing health forced him to resign the work which he did last March, his daughter Susan then being appointed and she still serves the government and people in this capacity.

Mr. Chapman was Secretary of the board of trustees in the M.E. church when the present church was first built, about the year 1872.

It is not necessary to tell the old neighbors and friends very much of Mr. Chapman's life, as the greater share of it has been passed among us and has been as an open book that all who wanted might read. Neight is it necessary to dwell on the deep sympathy which the entire community feels for the bereaved wife and daughter.

~Elkader Register, 12/20/1906