son of Job, came here about 1890 from Chalk Hill, Nr Dunstable, BDF. At first he lodged with Robert Lord, from Stevington BDF, and found work as a shoe riveter.

On 3^rd of August 1891 at St Mary’s Church, Rushden, Thomas Edward Chapman aged 20, son of Job, married Louisa Emma Partridge aged 18, daughter of Jesse. Both were working in the shoetrade.

In 1901 they were living at 20 Denmark Road, with 4 children. Frank was born in 1892, Alice in 1894, Harry in 1896, and George in 1900. Another son Edward was born in 1909.

Thomas Edward was buried on 9^th March 1946, aged 75, in grave H 89, and on 2^nd October 1950  was buried alongside him in grave H 88.

l-r Dick, Jack and Ted - taken when they all happened to come home on leave at the same time.

Frank Chapman married Kate Emery in 1920. Kate was born at Far Cotton, Northampton, as was her daughter Dorothy, then aged 4. Frank was now working as a window cleaner.

Kate was the daughter of Harry and Annie Emery, and Harry was a railway engine driver, born at Goldington BDF. They had been married for 26 years and had 5 children, one of whom had died when the 1911 census was taken. Three daughters were at home, Kate aged 20, Nellie aged 13, and Elsie aged 11.

Frank and Kate had three sons, Charles Henry born 29th April 1921, at Yelden BDF, Edward Frank (Ted) born 24th June 1922, and Jack Thomas born 12th Sept 1924.

In June 1944 Sergt. Wireless-Operator/Rear Gunner C. H. (Dick) Chapman, R.A.F., of Rushden, was officially presumed killed. Sgt. Chapman was reported “missing” on November 13th of last year, after his plane had failed to return.

Edward Frank (Ted) joined the Army. He later lived at 89 Harborough Road, and died in December 2016. 

Jack enlisted into the merchant navy, and later lived at 48 Harborough Road. He died 12th Sept 2003.

Frank died aged just 52 in 1944 and was buried in Rushden Cemetery plot H.48:-

In loving memory of a dear husband & father Frank CHAPMAN called suddenly away from our midst on Christmas Day 1944 aged 52 years. Always in our thoughts, not just today but every day. (vase) Baby John. (tablet laying flat in the grass) In loving memory of our dear son & brother Sgt Dick CHAPMAN W O P / A G missing from air operations Nov 13th 1943 aged 22 years. Reunited. From Mum, sisters & brothers.