Maj. J. F. Chapman (biography)

[genealogynut]

Taken from History of the State of Kansas, by William G. Cutler


MAJ. J. F. CHAPMAN, farmer and stock-raiser, P.O. Moline, was born in Macoupin County, Ill., in 1826.  In 1846, he enlisted in the Fourth Illinois Infantry, Company E and served nearly a year in the Mexican War, was at the battle of Vera Cruz. After returning from the army, he engaged in farming until 1852, and from that time until 1860, was engaged in lumbering at Stanton, Ill., took a trip to California in 1850, and was engaged in mining a short time.  In 1860, he sold his mill and lumbering business interests.  In 1862, he raised a company at Stanton for the One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry, which he organized; and was elected Major of the same, and served until July 1865.  He was in the department of the Tennessee, and Sixteenth Army Corps under Gen. A. J. Smith, was in the battle of Parker's Cross Roads, Nashville and Mobile, and some forty other engagements.  After coming out of the army, he followed farming until 1870, when he sold out and emigrated to Kansas, locating in Howard County, took a claim on Section 28, Town 31, Range 10, on which he has remained ever since; he has added 160 acres, making a farm of 320 acres, and is now raising stock.  His place is well improved, with good buildings, plenty of water, timber and a fine orchard of 140 bearing apple trees and 500 peach trees, and small fruits of all kinds, he has one of the best walnut and maple groves in the county.  He was elected County Surveyor in 1876, serving two terms in Elk County after the county was divided; in 1879, he became identified with the Moline Town Company, and has been identified with the company continuously since.  He was married in 1847 to Mrs. Joanna Sparks, of Illinois.  They have eight children living--Nancy M., Quincy M., Jesse A., Thomas, L.H., Richard, James L. and Schuyler E. He is a member of the E. M. Stanton Post, No. 23, G. A. R., of Hope Lodge No. 155, A. F. & A. M. and Howard Chapter, No. 49.