Charles B. Chappell 1905-1960

CHAPPELL, BIRDSALL

Posted By: Sharyl Ferrall
Date: 8/2/2008 at 14:20:32

Charles Birdsall Chappell, prominent realtor and local historian, died at his home in Keokuk July 12, 1960; born at Independence, Iowa September 7, 1905, the son of Jesse M. and Mary Birdsall Chappell; attended Kansas City University from 1924 to 1926 and graduated from the University of Misssouri with a degree in journalism in 1930; was a newspaper reporter in Phoenix and Kansas City for three years, became a partner of the Eastern Land Company in 1933 and came to Keokuk in 1939 as owner and operator of the Iowa Land Company; developed and president of Midland Homes, Inc., a successful real estate brokerage, appraising and insurance business; served as an appraiser for the Veterans Administration, director of National Association of Real Estate Boards, past president of the Iowa Real Estate Association, director of the Farm Brokers Institute of Iowa, and was secretary of the Certified appraisers of America, member of the Senior Residential Appraisers, and Lee County inheritance tax appraiser at his death; had a distinct and stimulating personality, an inquiring mind and was particularly well-read and informed with a strong interest in history; provided helpful knowledge and leadership in many state and local historical activities as a founder and past president of the Iowa Society for the Preservation of Historic Landmarks, a director, charter member and first vice president of the Lee county Historical Society, and chairman of the Civil War Centennial committee for the 1960 Iowa State Fair; held membership in the Elks, Odd Fellows and St. John's Episcopal Church; survived by his wife, and two sons, Charles S. and James B. Chappell.

~Annals of Iowa, Third Series - Vol. XXXV, No. 6, Fall 1960, Necrology of Notable Iowans, pg 477-478