COURTLAND PENDLETON CHAPMAN was born November 15th, 1841 on the farm which he inherited from his father and uncle in [333] the town of Westerly. The district school afforded him a rudimentary education, which was supplemented by later advantages in Westerly. For several years he remained at home, became familiar with the work of the farm, and acquired habits of industry, which have since made his life one of ceaseless activity. Desiring to enjoy a wider experience than the boundaries of the farm afforded, and also to familiarize himself with the resources of the great West he started for Nevada, and entered the service of a company interested in mining enterprises. Here he remained three years with varying success, and on his return was married November 19th, 1868, to Martha, daughter of Sumner Chapman, of the town of Westerly. Their children are: Carrie L., born April 27th, 1871; John Hobart, April 8th, 1875, and Courtland Palmer, October 28th, 1877.
Since his return from the West Mr. Chapman's time has been given almost exclusively to the management of his estate. A republican in politics, though not an active man in the party ranks, he was actuated by public spirit to enter the town council in 1888. Realizing the importance of concerted action with reference to the farming interests of his town, he has been a leading spirit in the organization of the Westerly Grange, of which he is the present master. His adherence and support are given to the Protestant Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Chapman is a member.
