NEGenweb Project
Merrick County
On Line Resources

Merrick County's 100th Year: 1858-1958


Chapman

Shoemaker's Point was the stage coach station and community center in the southwest part of the county in the early 1860's. After its abandonment, several years elapsed before the first business building was built in Chapman in 1871, by Messrs. L. Reed and C. A. Leake for a general trading store. The first real general store was opened in 1873, by J. I. Walker, who sold to W. H. Morris in 1877.

In 1878, the first bridge across the Platte at Chapman was built, opening up a good trade territory from northern Hamilton County. Chapman then grew rapidly in size and importance.

The first school in Chapman was taught by Mrs. Enoch Aurand in her home in 1871. In 1872, a public school building was erected.

Chapman was named after a roadmaster of the Union Pacific railroad. John Donivan, the local section boss, was the first postmaster.

Photograph
J. P. Roubal was manager of the Chapman baseball team in 1923. He's now serving his 3rd term as County Clerk.

CHAPMAN BASEBALL PLAYERS
MAKE GOOD

Photograph
Osborne Ruben was bat boy in 1922. He later became superintendent of the Chapman schools.

Photograph

Compliments of
COMMUNITY SALES CO.
Elmer Galusha, Owner
Central City

Compliments of
CHAPMAN CO-OP. MERCANTILE CO.
(Complete Locker Service)

Compliments of
T. B. HORD
GRAIN COMPANY

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© 2001 for the NEGenWeb Project by Mary Alice Vampola, Ted & Carole Miller