I was given a small (24.5mm) non-working movement with dial and plate marked J. R. Chapman & Co., Oshkosh, WI. It is absolutely filthy, but I think with a cleaning it will turn out decent looking and may actually work. The balance seems to be okay. It was made by Wittnauer/Longines.

I am hoping that someone might have information on Mr. Chapman. I haven't been able to come up with anything. Thanks for your help.

Hi Mary Ann

J.R. Chapman was according to the 1900 census for Grand Rapids born Dec of 1860, listed as a jeweler. He was born in Wisconsin & both his parents were from England. He is married to Lillian born July of 1861 also from Wisconsin, both her parents were from New York. The have a daughter & a son both in school. They also have a nephew & a servant living with them.

I will keep looking for more but that is the start.

Tom

He is James R. Chapman, in 1930 he & his wife are in Oshkosh.

It looks like in 1880 he lived in Fond Du Lac Wisconsin with his widowed mother & brother William.

By 1900 he is married to Lillian & living in Grand Rapids as a jeweler.

In 1910 he is in Oshkosh with Lillian, 1920 & 1930 they are still there.

Mary Ann

found this short notice:

Gerald

Hi Gerald

Just fond the same notice from the March 11 1948 Sheboygan Press

Tom

It seems you have a paid access to newspaper archives ?

Gerald

Thank you, Tom and Gerald! It is always a treat to find out information on these private label watches and the jewelers that they were quite often made for. Mr. Chapman seems to have been a prominent Wisconsin citizen. Thanks to you both!

Your welcome Mary Ann, every time I see one of these I great excited that I get to go hunting.

Yes Gerald it seems we both do so now we can have a race!

Tom

Tom
I am just hunting for free information which makes things a little bit more difficult.
And for the race - when I try to find out if Grand Rapids is close to Oshkosh you are writing the third reply.
So let`s keep on hunting !

Regards,
Gerald

Ok Gerald, we will call it a tie, I have paid access but you have the greater memory.

Tom

Grand Rapids WI is a few miles from where I live in Wood County. That is about 2 hours from Oshkosh. Grand Rapids Michigan is just the other side of the great lakes.

I can check with Wood County historical to see if they have any information on him in Grand Rapids WI.

Reread the post. I don't show another Grand Rapids WI, but Fond Du Lac county is in the lower part of Lake Winnebago. which is below Green Bay

Hi Bruce

Sorry I didn't put the complete info from the 1900 census, I get too busy typing & not enough proof reading.

It shows Grand Rapids, Wood County, Wisconsin.

Tom

Ok, that is great. We have one heck of a historical society in Wood County. The older ladies that work there love things like this. I will drop them a note and see what they come up with.

Bruce