W D Chapman Antique Fishing Lures Page 2

Chapman had his first old fishing lure patent in 1866; Patent # 54,684 which is for a detachable hook on a trolling spoon. This gives us insight to when officially his fishing lure endeavors began. Yet, I also have a business directory ad from 1873 stating his business description as jewelry and books with no mention of fishing lures or tackle. 

     How did antique fishing lure maker W. D Chapman become the "Heddon" of 19th Century antique fishing lures? Was it through his detailed craftsmanship, his attention to detail in pressing and manufacturing of the lure? Was it a result of hard work and efforts of his horse bound salesman and employees such as Daniel Steele, Charles Higgins, Joshua Salisbury, Percival Salisbury, and Orzellous Weeks? We may never know, but what we do know and can document through the use of patents for the lures, online forums, genealogy sites, and antique fishing lure collectors, he did a good job. 

     William Dana Chapman died in 1909 and is buried in Old Theresa Cemetery, which closes in era in fine fishing lure craftsmanship. However his death leaves many questions unanswered. What was his connection with partner John H. Carnige? Was it the fire in 1890 that sent him and his antique fishing lure business to Rochester, or a connection with one of the multitudes of family members; Cole, Snell, Alanson?

There is actually quite a bit of documentation for Chapman in certain eras, but great voids about this antique lure maker in others. How and why did the sales offices move to Rochester, to be ultimately consumed, bought, and represented by Gibson and Woodworth of 121 State Street? 

I could go on for pages about Chapman himself  his patents, for the reverse motion display case, his patent for the bird cage spring, and myriad of notes, discussions and thought on his lures, as there are over 25 standards models of lures and, that is what my web site is about. Showing the family trees, maps of Theresa, the history of Theresa itself, cemetery inscriptions, obituaries of family members should there be an interest.

     I however will close with the statement that when time permits I will continue to add to the lure and fishing tackle topics that are geared towards Chapman, and how his antique fishing lures and efforts of yesteryear have had a profound impact on antique fishing lure collectors of today.