SAMUEL W CHAPMAN COLLINS DURAND EASTON KIMBALL PECK SMITH SPITTAL STONE Samuel W. CHAPMAN, ex-postmaster of Elgin and senior member of the firm of S.W. & A.M. Chapman, dealers in carriages, wagons, and agricultural implements, 26 River St., Elgin, is a truly representative citizen of Kane Co., where almost his entire life has been spent. He was born in Wyoming, NY, Sept. 9, 1843, and is the son of Samuel and Margaret SPITTAL CHAPMAN, both of whom were natives of Glasgow, Scotland. Their family comprised nine children, four sons and five daughters, eight of whom are still living - Samuel W., of this sketch; Helen M., wife of Frank P. SMITH of Kinsley, Kansas; Mary E., wife of John COLLINS, of Harter, Kansas; Sarah J., wife of Edson B. EASTON of Guthrie, Oklahoma; Albert A. of Texas; John E. of Texas; Grace A., wife of Royal W. KIMBALL of Elgin; Julia A., wife of George M. PECK of Elgin; and Fred L., publisher of "The Ram's Horn", of Chicago. Samuel CHAPMAN, the father, by occupation, was a farmer and came to America in 1841, locating in Wyoming, NY. In 1844 he came to Kane Co. Ill., and settled in Plato township, where he engaged in farming until his death. He first purchased 40 acres of wild land, and as his means increased added to his possessions until he was the owner of 460 acres. Thoroughly loyal to his adopted country, when the South rebelled against the general government he assisted in raising a company of cavalry known as the Plato Cavalry, of which he was commissioned first lieutenant. He and John S. DURAND furnished the horses for the company, which they afterwards sold to the government. After the battle of Pea Ridge, he resigned and come home. Politically he was a democrat, and while not caring for office, served his township as supervisor for some years. His death occurred in Oct 1886, at the age of 70 years. His good wife survived him more than a year, dying at the age of 69 years. They were members of the Congregational church and died in the full assurance of faith in the life beyond the grave. Both were well known and universally esteemed. The paternal grandfather of our subject, also named Samuel CHAPMAN, was likewise a native of Scotland and there died at about 75 years of age. His occupation was that of farmer. The materna. grandfather, Andrew SPITTAL, was born in Scotland and died near Glasgow when about 80 years of age. He followed farming as a means of livelihood. Samuel W. CHAPMAN, our subject, was about one year old when brought by his parents to Kane Co., and upon the old farm in Plato tsp his boyhood and youth were passed. The eldest in the family, he was early trained to labor upon the farm and knows from experience the meaning of hard work. His primary education was obtained in the subscription and district schools, and his collegiate training at Beloit College. Soon after leaving college Mr. CHAPMAN went to Burlinton, Iowa, as cashier in the American and United States Express office, where he remained four years, discharging his duties in a faithful and conscientious manner. He then returned to Elgin and ran a flouring mill for 10 years, when he secured the position as agent of the Mccormick Harvesting Machine Co., remaining with that company for 15 years, resigning in 1893, when he embarkred in his present wagon, carriage and implement business. In 1896, he associated with himself A.M. CHAPMAN, who, while of the same name, is no relation, and the business has since been conducted under the firm name of S.W. & A.M. Chapman. Notwithstanding the hard times since the business was begun, a good trade has been established, which is constantly increasing. On the 15th of Dec 1867, Mr. CHAPMAN was united in marriage with Miss Alvena F. STONE, a native of Elgin Township, and a daughter of Isaac and Abigail STONE, natives of New Hampshire, and who came to Kane Co. in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. CHAPMAN now reside in a pleasant home, #753 Highland Ave., where they delight to entertain their many friends. Mrs CHAPMAN has for many years been a member of the Congregational Church, and is well known in religious circles. Fraternally, Mr. CHAPMAN is a Master Mason. Like his father before him, Mr. CHAPMAN is a thorough democrat, and in the success of the party takes especial delight. His face is a familiar one in the conventions of the party, and his influence is felt in its councils. He has never cared for official position, as his tastes and inclinations run in an entirely different channel. For seven years, however, he served as a member of the board of education, because of the fact that he is a firm believer in the public schools and desired to render all the aid in his power to make them efficient. In Feb. 1894, he was appointed by President Cleveland, and confirmed by the United States Senate, as postmaster of Elgin, and served unitl Feb. 1898. His administration of the office was such as to win the confidence and good will of all patrons of the office of whatever political belief. As a business man Mr. CHAPMAN is probably best known. For about 8 years he has been a director in the Century Club, a business men's association, and as such has exerted an influence for good in behalf of his adopted city. Thoroughly progressive, he is ever ready to champion anything that will advance the best interests of Elgin. This fact is well known, and this it is which commends him to all business and professional men, those on whose efforts the city relies for its growth and well-being. A citizen of the county for more than half a century, there is nothing that affords him more satisfaction than to see it take front rank among the counties of this great commonwealth, and to this end he is willing to bend all his energies. The Biographical Record of Kane Co., Illinois 1898 S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago pg. 11 Transcribed by Cynthia Nelson who has no further information on the above parties. Use your "BACK" button on your browser to return to Kane County ILGenWeb pages.