It’s Sentimental Sunday, a day for genealogy bloggers to focus on a sentimental story or memory about an ancestor or a cherished family tradition. Today, I’d like to introduce my maternal grandfather, Joseph Chapple, a man whose life was filled with resilience, love, and an enduring legacy.
Early Life and Family Roots
Joseph’s early life wasn’t without sorrow. His baby brother, Lewis, was born on October 19, 1910, but tragically passed away a month later from lung complications. This loss marked the family’s move to Houston’s 5th Ward community, a place Joseph would call home for the rest of his life.
Career Challenges and Resilience
Joseph worked for the Texas & Northern Railway as a Blacksmith Helper at the Englewood Yard, one of the largest rail hump yards in the U.S. Despite his years of experience and skill, Joseph faced workplace discrimination. When his white colleague retired, Joseph applied for the Blacksmith position but was denied, being told it was a “white man’s job.” Instead, the company hired a white college graduate with no experience and expected Joseph to train him. Joseph refused. In retaliation, the company closed the blacksmith shop, but Joseph’s impeccable work record secured him a transfer to the Creosote Yard, where he worked as a Treating Engineer in the Wood Preserving Works Department applying creosote to train track cross-ties. He remained in this department until he fell from a ladder and injured his back while painting the garage apartment he built behind his home. The fall forced him into retirement. According to a letter I received from the Railroad Retirement Board in 1994, he worked 111 service months before 1937 and continued working in the railroad industry until 1958. He received full Railroad Retirement until his death on August 23, 1966.
Love, Loss, and Parenthood
On May 23, 1921, Joseph married Estella Smith, a woman from his community whose father also worked for the same hump yard. Together, they had six pregnancies, resulting in two miscarriages and four children: Ella Louise, Joseph Lee, Estella, and Carrie (my mother). Tragically, Estella passed away from tuberculosis in 1930, leaving Joseph to raise their children with the help of his devoted mother, Carrie [Blanton] Chapple.
Fond Memories
When I ask family members about Joseph, they remember his great sense of humor, his skill as a cook, and his reputation as a reliable, honest, and trustworthy man.
For me, one memory stands out: a week before his sudden passing on August 23, 1966, we spent an afternoon eating cotton candy together. He laughed as I complained about how the treat melted before I could chew it. To this day, the sight of cotton candy reminds me of that cherished time with my grandfather.
It's Your Turn -- Call to Action
Does your family tree include the Chapples of Houston, Texas? Or do you have stories of perseverance and love like Joseph’s in your own family? I’d love to hear from you—share your memories in the comments or reach out directly. Together, we’re Claiming Kin!
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