James
Chapman,
A Tribute by a Friend "To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook
without a source; a tree without a root." James Whitten Chapman, son of
Elijah and Mariah (Johnson) Chapman, (b Oct. 4, 1818, d Feb 17, 1872)
was of pioneer ancestry. An ancestor Timothy Chapman (b March 1728)
came to New Jersey about 1748 from England.
Some of his descendants came to Ohio where Betsey Chapman married
Edward McKinley; Rachel married Patric McKinley, thence to Indiana
where Elijah Chapman entered a large tract of land near Washington in
1813, which has been transferred but once. A splendid two story home,
quite a mansion for those days was built near Pleasant Hill. The first
piano in the community was placed in this home by the son Friend.
Elijah Chapman erected the first saw mill and carding machine in
Daviess county. He was the founder of New London, a town on White
river, owned the first spring wagon in the county, served as
Representative in 1844-46. He was associate judge of Daviess Co.s
Circuit Court two terms, because of his efficiency obtained the title
of "Judge Chapman." It is said the slogan "Crow, Chapman, Crow"
originated from his extreme modesty manifested when elected to office
over a popular opponent. He was one of the founders and builders of
Bethel M. E. Church.
James Chapman was the great grandson of Peter Johnson, who was born in
Scotland, came to America before the Revolution. His son James was born
in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, in 1752. He was a lieutenant colonel
in the war of Independence, under Geo. Washington, married Elizabethy
Lindsey, an aunt of Lindsey Cooper, of Ky., near Madison, Ind. And of
Mrs. Ramsey, of Indiana, Jas. Johnson with nine other families floated
down the Ohio in "Keel boats" to the Wabash, thence to Vincennes, in
1785. He was the first justice of any court in the New Territory, in
1804 was a trustee with William Henry Harrison and twenty-four others
for the Vincennes university.
The first American child born in Indiana Territory was William Johnson,
the second son of James Johnson, who reared a family of fourteen
children, nine sons and five daughters, each of whom lived to rear
families of their own.
All of his children made homes in Knox and Daviess counties, except one
who went further west.
He was a gunsmith by trade and died in Iowa. Elijah, Abner and James
were pioneers of Daviess county and their ashes rest in that county.
James died in Knox county in 1835 and was buried at St. Francisville,
Ill., with military honors of war.
James Chapman married Mathilda Wallace in 1828. The wedding was
arranged for 22nd. of Feb., her father's and Geo. Washington's
birthday. On this occasion and elaborate wedding feast was served to
more than one hundred guests. The decorations were profuse. The bride's
brother, Harrison, went several miles on horse to procure material for
festooning. The center decorations were cedar and grasses dipped in
flour or alum water making them glisten like frost. The beautiful bride
in white, the groom in black were a handsome couple. Elijah Chapman
(father of the groom) invited all present to come to his home the next
day for the "infare" dinner. James with his bride in a sleigh drove to
the Chapman home where a feast (equal to a barbecue) was served to many
guests. Maltida Wallace was the daughter of Hon. William and Sarah
Horrall Wallace, a descendant of Sir William Wallace of Scotland.
(Sketch of the Wallace family found on another page.)
James W. Chapman and family as I knew them, coming to Madison Dec. 5,
1865, a family of nine - father, mother, Jane, John, William, Albert,
Elijah, Ella and Josie. They united, by letter, with Roberts Chapel M.
E. Church. The two little white haired girls were brought to my "infant
class" (as we then called the primary department of S. S.) which led to
an early call at the family residence and the beginning of a lasting
friendship.
Brother Chapman was soon assigned to Class No. 1 as it was yet in the
good old days when membership in the M.E. church depended somewhat on
attendance at "Class Meeting." The membership being divided into
classes of from one to twenty-five. Each member expected to meet his
leader once a week. Said leader to watch after our souls as one to give
an account. Thus meeting and talking of our Christian experience and
enjoying the fellowship of kindred minds, each little bank became much
attached to each other. We soon found Bro. C. such a help in our
spiritual life that we requested that he be made our leader, which
office he had held before coming to Madison. Thus associated I became
better acquainted and more intimate with his family until he gave me
employment, as secretary, in his office, where there never was any
gloom, but always an atmosphere of cheerfulness pervading work and
conversation. I came to know him in a business capacity as well as a
Christian leader and scarcely know in which to esteem him most. He was
as conscientious in the one as in the other, the religion was uppermost
in his thought. He emphatically sought first the kingdom of God,
believing all other needful things would be added. And they were. God's
blessing attended all his efforts.
He was a leading busiman and highly respected citizen. Among his
intimate friends were D. G. Phillips, U. B. Stribling, McKim, Cochran
& Co., Judge Friedley, M.C. Garber, S. B. Grayson, the
Croziers, Dr. Mullen, Mr. Doolittle, R. J. Hurlbut. After visiting
Indianapolis and Bloomington he selected Madison for its scenic beauty,
its healthfulness and its good schools, which were among the best in
the state. He always put the interest of his children foremost and
wished for them the best educational advantages. He found also that his
business interests could best be served in Madison by the founderies
and manufactories. He was something of a genius and had patented
several articles and bought others. (We used to laugh at the number.)
He made a specialty of his portable Soda Fountain, Sorghum Evaporator
and Cane Mill. His patent churn, pump, carpenters' vice and other
smaller articles received attention during the dull season of the
fountain and evaporator. He made flavoring extracts and syrups to go
with the fountains.
We sometimes said he had too many irons in the fire, but for the sake
of the younger boys and their chums he added the Shoe Polish and gave
it into their hands so they could earn something for themselves while
gaining an insight into business and encouraging habits of industry.
The turning lathe was purchased for the youngest boy, Elijah, with
which he made velocopedes," brackets, whatnots, and toys and furniture
for his younger sisters and friends. Bro. C. was a close Bible student
and had begun to compile a Bible Dictionary but did not live to
complete it. He believed in Printer's Ink and turned many dollars into
the coffers of the Madison Courier. One year's advertising amounting to
$1,500. "Live and let live" was one of his mottoes, hence we found him
kind and generous toward his employees and they were always amply
rewarded for time and labor. Honesty in business and a strict
observance of the Sabbath were as tenets of religion with him. The shop
and office were never opened on that Sacred day. He used to say: "If
God gives us six days to labor for ourselves, we certainly should
devote the entire Sabbath to His service, worship and good works.
Nothing is ever gained by the desecration of the Sabbath." On one
occasion it seemed necessary to ship a fountain on Sunday to reach its
destination in time to secure the sale. The workers wanted to hasten
the shipment, but he said, "No, no work ever prospers done in
disobedience to God's command." The shipment was deferred. It was
learned later that the train on which it would have gone was wrecked
and the fountain would have been lost. We all had an object lesson in
keeping the Sabbath. In the family there was the same sweet observance
of the Sacred day. Coffee enough was ground in Saturday to last until
Monday and put a tight receptacle to preserve its strength. All other
preparations possible were made to avoid unnecessary work on Sunday. I
remember seeing the children blacking their shoes when I had occasion
to drop in on Saturday evening. A regiment of freshly blackened "boots"
and shoes, arranged in uniform order at one side of the room. Religion
in the home was made so cheerful and family devotion so enjoyable that
the Sanctuary became a delight. Religion never was designed to make our
pleasures less but to enhance the enjoyment of all life. Meal time in
this home was a happy hour. The father at the head of the table would
usually offer the following grace: "We thank Thee, our Heavenly Father,
for these and all Thy blessings. Bless a portion of this food to the
nourishment of our bodies, feed our souls on the bread if life and save
us at last through Christ. Amen." (Recalled a half century after the
passing of the father, by the daughter, Ella). Bro. C. was a lover of
the old time songs. He purchased a number of "Select Melodies" and
distributed them among members to bring into more general use the songs
of his choice. Bro. C. was almost an enthusiast in religion, yet never
very demonstrative. While decided and firm in his opinions there was a
mildness and calmness in his manner of expressing them that gave them a
lasting impression. I shall never forget the effect on our harts of the
first prayer I heard him utter, in Wednesday night's service: "Thou art
God and there is none beside Thee. Thou hast made us and not we
ourselves." Then there were expressions of such love and confidence as
brought our hearts into closer touch with our Heavenly Father and
encouraged us to feel that there is a higher better life to live. This
faith, this quiet confidence and calmness gave him power as a worker in
the vineyard and never was he happier than when leading souls to the
altar of prayer and pointing them to the Saviour. His delight was to be
engaged in altar services whether in his own or other churches. It was
this earnestness for the salvation of souls. Especially for one of his
own dear boys that led him to originate the Camp Meeting held for three
successive years on the Hendricks' farm among the hills east of
Madison. How many souls were saved through these services none but God
can know. We were certain that one sermon preached by Williamson
Terrell enabled our beloved invalid boy, William, to accept Christ as
his Saviour. Also another lad, Albert Richardson, whom John led to the
altar was wonderfully converted and became a minister in the U. B.
church and led many to Christ. So Brother Chapman rests from his labors
but his works do follow. The mother, always kind and gentle, reaching
out a helping hand to others where ever sickness or trial that she
could relieve, there you found her. As a member of the city's "Flower
Mission" and "Ladies' Aid" societies to search out and help the poor,
sick and unfortunate of city, she found much to do. Among her
associates in this work were Madames Wm. Page, Robert Pattie, Kirk,
Clements, D. G. Phillips, Hinds, Crozier, Harper, Dold. Using
hospitality in her own home even strangers were not turned from her
door. The Ministers of God and their families ever found a ready
welcome. Bro. C. always joining her in free hospitality. Faithful in
her attendance upon the means of grace, spared to the good old age of
83, she was the last to be called home. After several months of failing
health on Aug. 3, 1903 she passed away at the home of her daughter,
Ella Peek, attended by her daughters and grandchildren, Mary Joseph,
Richard, Louise Peed, L. L. Chapman, and niece, Bell Wallace Brooks, of
Bedford, and nephew A. S. Chapman of Madison. She realized the last
sunset was approaching and talked cheerfully of going. She said, "I
have lived the allotted time. Four score and three, a long time to
live. God has been good to me. If I knew I could be of use to any one I
should like to live, but my work is done. I must go to the mansions
prepared for us." She told her wonderful dreams, a part of which
follows - "Following a path on either side of which and all around were
pretty flowers and trees, she came to the bank of a beautiful river,
and hearing her husband's call from the other shore and seeing his
beckoning hand she entered a boat, crossed the stream and joined him on
the other side." She said, "I know I shall soon cross this river and
meet your father and all the loved ones gone before." Said she wanted
to meet the "Saviour first - then your father and baby Lucy, Charlie
and all my children, parents and friends, and soon you and all of us
will be there - a happy family together again. It won't be long, Josie,
till we will all be there." She prayed that she might die possessed of
right mind, not linger a helpless invalid and asked to die when flowers
were plentiful and in summer when weather was fine. Her prayer was
answered in every particular. As she was passing each one would clasp
here hand and ask, "Who is this?" She would look into the face, smile
so sweetly and give the name in strong clear voice. Joseph asked, "Who
is this grandma?" She smiled and whispered, "Joseph" In a few minutes
Richard asked, "Who is this, Grandma?" but she made no reply. She had
passed beyond earthly call and sweetly slept, and now rests beside her
beloved husband in Bethel Cemetery near the old home church where they
began the Christian life and spent their happy youth. Rev. Albert
Richardson, of Petersburg, previously mentioned. Rev. T. R. Ragsdale
and Rev. Reed, of Washington, were the officiating ministers.
William, after three years' service in the Civil War, as cavalryman
with Hood and Sherman opening the way from "Atlanta to the Sea,"
returned home and soon after became a victim of consumption. William
made a brave fight but finding he must go sought earnestly to have a
heart right with God, and lying on his couch at campmeeting under the
sound of Rev. Terrell's lips he saw that it was by faith alone in the
atonement of Christ that he could be saved. Ever after he was cheerful
and jovial up to within a few hours of the cruel hemorrhage that
snatched him from the loving attention of mother as she was preparing
him for the night's rest, Oct. 13, 1868. Dec. 12, 1870 - Elijah, the
youngest of the boys was called home. Oh, how cruel death seemed to
snatch him from us so suddenly after only three or four days' illness.
I can hardly yet become reconciled to his going. So young, sprightly,
bright, ingenious, ambitious and industrious. Earnestly striving as all
Bro. C.'s children did to walk in the Light. I have never been able to
visit his grave without a voice calling me to a renewed consecration to
the service of our Saviour.
Albert at the age of fifteen answered Lincoln's last call for
volunteers. As a drummer boy he was with Sherman on his "March to the
Sea." After close of war was held in the South for reconstruction work
and contracted his fatal illness. When the disease began to prey upon
him he made brave quest for health, travelling South and North doing
all that could be suggested by his father and that John's loving heart
could devise, for great was the devotion of John to his brother, he was
willing to spend, and he spent to save Albert. At last the quest was
given up. John made another trip to Minnesota and brought him home.
They applied themselves to business as best they could. Albert was
always so pleasant in the office. I remember visiting him frequently
and it was my privilege to help minister to him the last evening he
spent on earth, on Apr. 6, 1871. Going in about six o'clock he seemed
so glad to see me and asked me to bathe his face and hands and kept me
busy for some time; at last he fell into a quiet slumber. Near ten
o'clock he wakened calling John, who said, "What is it Albert?" He
said, "I am going to get well tonight, John. The angels told me God was
going to make me well tonight." John went to waken mother but before
she came Albert had straightened out his limbs and as his feet touched
the other shore his voice was like an echo from the shining sands of
the river of life. "I am saved" these were the last words we could
hear, but they were certainly sounding back from the shores where the
inhabitants were never sick. We laid him to rest beside his brothers
(four months after Elijah's death) in the sure and certain hope of a
glorious resurection at the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ.
Within eleven months after Albert's death, Feb. 17, 1872, the patient,
loving husband and father left us to join those loved long since and
lost awhile. Confined to the house for several months, he realized the
end was near and arranged for his going, calmly and earnestly
requesting that his body be taken to Daviess Co. Bethel Church where he
had been converted and labored so happily in the vineyard of the Lord.
Rev. W. W. Snyder and R. R. Baldwin officiated at funeral. The latter,
his pastor, accompanied the remains and family to Washington and there
officiated in the last service. It was my privilege to help minister to
him during his last days and hours and I know that his passing was calm
and peaceful and we were comforted abundantly. John, who answered
Lincoln's first call, serving four long years, is now left to stand by
mother and sisters, bereft of father and two brothers within fourteen
months.
Good, faithful, beloved John was permitted to live thirteen years after
his father was gone. He had married and made a cozy home which he and
Dora enjoyed. One of his chief characteristics was loyalty, always
taking a charitable view of a personal critisicm, especially of a
minister whose work among the people might be hindered by criticism. In
testimony and prayer he often quoted, "For we know that if our earthly
house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an
house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." "They shall see his
face and his name shall be in their foreheads." "And there shall be no
night there - for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reign
forever and ever." The seeds of death sown as he languished in
Salisbury prison developed to carry him away, May 16, 1885. His prayer
was answered for near the time of his departure he was able to say - "I
have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith. Henseforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me on that day." Dr. F.
C. Holliday officiated at the funeral in Trinity Church. The body was
carried by the G. A. R. to Springdale where he sleeps until the
resurrection morn shall reunite us all in new and beautious life
eternal.
The two little white-haired girls as they grew to womanhood became
earnest workers in church and Sunday school. Ella as a student at the
Bates' music academy (1871) became a sweet singer and a member of
Trinity choir. After a season at (Moores Hill) college and as public
school and music teacher chose a life companion, J. M. Peek, and
returned to Daviess County to make her home in her parents' old
neighborhood. Josephine continued her profession of teaching in public
schools for almost forty years, but recently married Mr. George W.
Williams and lives in a cozy home near Vincennes, where by phone and
car she is in close touch with her sisters, Ella and Jane. Dear,
faithful, self-sacrificing Jane, who makes her home with Ella Peek and
family. Ella has blest the world in rearing four noble children, each
of whom received college training. Mary and Louise at DePauw. Mary
developed into a sweet singer and music teacher, appeared on Chautauqua
platform and now lending her talent to the Master's cause. (Her husband
Fenton R. Mathews received training at DePauw and is a talented
musician, serving as instructor of music in the schools of Marshall,
Ill.) Louise, a professional Latin teacher, now in Detroit. Joseph, an
industrious genius, when at Butler and Winona called, "The Go Get `Em"
is now engaged in government construction work in Texas. Richard
trained at Indiana and Chicago Universities, served as public school
teacher in Colorado, now in Aviation service in World War. I doubt not
each will reflect credit to his ancestors until the end of time while
Josie's work in long years of teaching will bear fruit ad infinitum. I
am so glad to have been associated with these dear people. In loving
remembrance of a family whose lives touched mine.
M. CARRIE DOUGLAS, Louisville, Ky. Jan. 16, 1919 Age 83 years
BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEALOGICAL HISTORY OF THE
CHAPMAN-JOHNSON-WALLACE-PALMER FAMILY by MRS. JOSEPHINE CHAPMAN WALLACE
WILLIAMS, published 1920
Submitted by: Joseph M. Wallace Email: jmwallace@wsu.edu
Typed by: Lauren McNiece