Biography:
1. Joseph Chapple was working as a Labourer "Setting & drawing stoves, loading and unloading barges etc." at 2/-d per day (Supply 5/226 dated the18th June 1807). At that time and had 9 months' service
2. Supply 5/227 dated the 23rd August 1808, showed Mr. Chapple was now employed as a Corning House Man earning 2/6d. per day, and "in addition to their pay, they are allowed to watch in turn, for which they receive one shilling."
3. Supply 5/228 dated the 1st September 1810 recorded that Joseph was then a Corning House Man who was still paid 2/6d day, and allowed to watch for 1/6d.
4. At 11.15 a.m. on the 27th November 1811, there was a huge explosion at No. 4 Press House; the ensuing fire engulfed the Corning and Reel Houses, which also exploded. There was much damage to the town with many windows shattered, and reports in the press recorded that the explosion was heard as far away as Hackney, Blackwall and Marylebone (Winters, p.72). Among those killed was Joseph Chapple, a widower, who left a 17-year-old daughter, Sarah, who was in service, and who was generally considered to be dependant "to a great measure" on her late father.
5. In a letter dated 29th November 1811 (Supply 5/199), the Board had agreed to pay "a donation of ten guineas" to Sarah, "the daughter of Joseph Chapple." His other children were provided for according to a letter dated the 3rd December, 1811 (Supply 5/229). This letter confirms that before his death, Mr. Chapple was employed as a Millman in the Corning House at 2/6d per day.
