JOHN CHAPMAN, the second son of Israel and Mary Chapman, was born in Westerly, where his life was spent in the varied labors pertaining to a farmer's career. He in youth devoted three months of the year to the elementary branches of study, and thus gained a knowledge of mathematics, which enabled him to transact business with success. His services were given to his father until 1833, when the farm, now the home of Courtland Chapman, was bestowed jointly upon Mr. Chapman and his brother Palmer by their father. On this farm the remainder of his life was spent, cultivating and improving the land, and adding steadily by industry and judicious care of his accumulations, to his possessions. In this he was aided greatly by his brother and partner, who resided with him, and with whom the most cordial business and social relations existed during his life time. Mr. Chapman was in politics a strong democrat, but aside from the exercise of his privilege as a voter, never gave time or attention to matters of political import. His interests centered in his home, and the domain of his farm was to him the center of business life and activity. He was connected by member ship with the First Baptist church of Westerly.
Mr. Chapman was married in 1833 to Sarah Fenton, of Hartford, born in 1801. He was married a second time to Rhoda Ann, daughter of Thomas Sisson, of Westerly, whose children were Israel and Courtland P. The former, born January 2d, 1839, devoted his life to the work of the farm. He in 1864 married Harriet E. Stillman, and left one child, a son, Wayland. After a brief life of much promise and usefulness he died November 19th, 1873. John Chapman was a third time married to Louisa Chapman. His death occurred in January, 1877.
