There is a new database at
Ancestry.com for U.S. House of Rep. Private
Claims Vol. I, for the first 75 years of the U.S. Gov't. There are 78
Chapman's entries at the database url below (free until 4/28/00). There is
also a Vol. II which is free until 5/5.
http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/inddbs/4519.htm
One entry that was of particular interest to me was a Jonathan Chapman who
filed a claim for "Debenture on rum exported to Palermo". It was approved
without amendment by Congress on 5/26/1830. Does anyone have any idea which
Jonathan Chapman this may be?
I've heard from several sources that my ggrandfather (John Chapman, not this
Jonathan Chapman) made a good brew that was widely distributed, but he
didn't let the U.S. Gov't know about it! Is there a Chapman family
tradition here? LOL
Is anyone willing to claim the Jonathan Chapman involved with the rum in
1830?
Having a nice day!
Gary Chapman