CHAPMAN, Joanna Parrisher - b. March 10, 1826 - d. October 20, 1893

[ddurbin]

(from THE MOLINE REPUBLICAN  Oct. 27, 1893)

CHAPMAN--Joanna Parrisher, wife of Major J. F. Chapman, died at the family home in Moline, Elk county, Kansas at 5 p.m., October 20, 1893.  She was born near Elizabeth City, North Carolina, March 10, 1826

When a little girl of seven years she moved with her parents to Illinois and settled in Macoupin county.  Here the children were increased to eight, consisting of two sons and six daughters, of whom one brother and two sisters survive the subject of this notice.

February 4, 1847, she married James F. Chapman at Stanton, Ills., near which place they settled and passed fourteen years of happiness all too swiftly; for they brought to patriot ears the Nation's call to arms to suppress the rebellion of an infamous and murderous treason.  James had seen service in the Mexican war and now, September 4, 1862, he kissed the wife and their five children good-bye and nobly turned his face upon foe of "home and native land" to lead his regiment, the 122nd Illinois, to the peril of the field while Joanna, with devotion and heroism equally sublime, kept the home during the years of trial and welcomed the return of James.

In September, 1870, they moved to Kansas and settled on a farm two miles south of where Moline now stands, then in Howard county.  In 1884 the family moved to Moline.  She raised one daughter, Mrs. J. L. Mattingly, of Sedan, Kan., and six sons of whom the youngest is past 22 years of age, while three sons and one daughter passed to the unknown before her.

Sister Chapman joined the Christian church at Staunton in 1867, and later connected herself with the society of the same denomination when it was organized in Moline, and remained a member to the close of life.

In 1888 she led in organizing the "Woman's Relief Corps," auxiliary to the G. A. R. post at Moline, and to its building up devoted much of her time as long as able to attend its meetings.

For years health had been breaking, but much more rapidly during the past twelve months.  Still her indomitable spirit insisted upon performing in person the duties of the home.

Fifteen weeks of intense suffering, relieved as much as possible by medical skill; soothed by tender, ministering love, and borne by calm fortitude, unmurmuring patience and cheerful faith in Christ, she waited till her release came and the weary body slept.

The funeral occured at the M. E. Church in Moline on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock, October 22, 1893.  Rev. J. D. McBrian, of Sedan, assisted by Rev. B. R. Gilbert, of Eureka, conducted the service.  The large assembly evidenced the high regard to which she was held by relatives and friends.   W. C. GOODWIN.