W.D. Chapman & Son lures were made for over 30 years. The company was established in 1860 in Theresa, NY and was later moved to Rochester, NY in 1887. William D. Chapman was born in Theresa, NY in 1820. His first business endeavor was in the jewelry and watch business. He was also a fisherman and received his first lure patent on May 15, 1866. His first lures were marked “W.D. Chapman, Theresa, NY.” These early lures are sometimes marked “IXL” which is a play on words meaning “I Excel.” He was obviously very proud of his lures. In 1876, his son was made a partner. From 1876 to 1887 they were marked “W.D. Chapman & Son, Theresa, NY.” After the company moved to Rochester, NY in 1887 they were marked “Chapman, Son & Co., Rochester, NY” and “W.D. Chapman & Son, Rochester, NY.” After his son died prematurely in 1897, they were once again marked “W.D. Chapman, Theresa, NY.” W.D. Chapman died on July 9, 1909.
The W.D. CHAPMAN “Minnow Propeller” Lure, circa 1875
The W.D. CHAPMAN & SON “New Combination” Lure, circa 1885
The W.D. CHAPMAN Threaded Minnow, circa 1886
The W.D. CHAPMAN Water Nymph
The W.D. Chapman, Son & Co. “Electric” Size 1 Lure, Rochester, NY, circa 1888
The W.D. Chapman, Son & Co. “Electric” Size 2 Lure, Rochester, NY, circa 1888
W.D. CHAPMAN “THE BOSS” and “REVERSIBLE” Ads in 1875 “Forest and Stream” Magazine
W.D. CHAPMAN & SON January, 1876 Ad in “Forest and Stream” Magazine
W.D. CHAPMAN & SON September, 1882 Ad in “Forest and Stream” Magazine
W.D. CHAPMAN & SON January, 1885 Ad in “The American Angler” Magazine
W.D. CHAPMAN & SON May, 1886 Ad in “Forest and Stream” Magazine
1888 “The Industries of the City of Rochester” by the Chamber of Commerce
1891 Rochester, NY City Directory Ad
W.D. CHAPMAN & SON May, 1892 Ad in “Forest and Stream” Magazine
The W.D. CHAPMAN Patents