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1907 Past and Present Biographies

C. H. Chapin

C. H. Chapin, a successful agriculturist residing on section 8, Franklin township, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, September 30, 1854, a son of Jabez and Laura (Wright) Chapin, the former a native of Massachusetts and the latter of New York. The father followed farming and lumbering in the east until his removal to Franklin township, Greene county, Iowa, in 1866, where he remained until the time of his demise, which occurred in 1871. He had a family of eight children, but C. H. Chapin of this review is the only one now residing in Greene county.

Mr. Chapin received his early education in the schools of his native state and afterward attended school in this county. In early life he aided in breaking the land which his father -had purchased here and which is now the homestead farm of our subject. When yet very young he displayed rare business ability and began to accumulate property, being at present the owner of two hundred acres of well improved land, known as the old Chapin homestead. In addition to general farming he also devotes his attention to feeding and raising stock, and for a great many years has also been engaged in dehorning cattle in Greene and adjoining counties, which business he has followed to a greater extent than any man now residing in the county. In all of his business affairs he has prospered and the success which has come to him is well merited, for he has been honorable and straightforward at all times and has thus gained the admiration and respect of his fellowmen.

In 1881 Mr. Chapin was joined in wedlock of Miss Rachel Patterson, of Greene county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of three children, Willie C., who died in infancy; Laura and Nellie, at home. In his political views Mr. Chapin has always been a staunch republican and has served as township trustee, having also acted at various times in other minor oflices. His family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are widely and favorably known in the community where they have now long resided. He possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution, and his close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the high degree of prosperity which is today his. He has been connected with the farming interests of Greene county from pioneer times to the present, aiding in the arduous toil which was necessary in order to transform this region from a wild, uncultivated condition into a district which bears all the evidences of an advanced civilization.

Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead,"
by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver,
Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.

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