For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 259
WILLIAM A. CHAPMAN....No men in America are more worthy of honor than the soldiers who wore the blue and who risked their lives in order to save the Union. Viewed from the vantage ground of half a century, it is seen that the cause for which they fought was one of the noblest that the world has known---a conclusion that now meets the assent even of many of those who wore grey. It was by all odds the most important struggle of modern times and the men still living who assisted in upholding the stars and stripes are worthy of the profoundest gratitude of all lovers of liberty.Among the soldiers who valiantly fought for the Union is William A. Chapman. He was born in Scioto county, Ohio, August 21, 1842, and is a son of Greenup and Minerva ( Lawson ) Chapman, also natives of Ohio, who passed their entire lives in that state. There were nine children in the family, of whom seven are now living: Marian, of Muscatine county; Rosanna, the wife of John Snyder, of this county; Fannie, John and Charles, all residents of Ohio; Eleanora, the wife of a Mr. Trace of Ohio; and William A., our subject.
Educated in the district schools, William A. Chapman grew to manhood under the parental roof and continued at home until he was twenty years of age, when he responded to the call of President Lincoln and in 1862 enlisted in Company A, Independent Sharpshooters, serving until honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in July, 1865. He participated in many of the great battles of the Army of the West and in innumerable skirmishes. He was in the engagements at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge and advanced under General Sherman as far as Atlanta, Georgia, when his command was ordered back to assist in holding Hood's army in check. He saw the last gun fired at Nashville, Tennessee, and having known the horrors of war, no man more heartily appreciated the blessings of peace. After returning from the South he spent some years in Ohio and in 1868 came to Muscatine county, Iowa, where he worked by the month for one year for John Hitchcock. He then began farming on his own account by renting a farm and, having acquired sufficient capital, purchased forty acres, which comprises part of the place which he now owns, later adding one hundred and twenty acres, so that he now has a beautiful farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Everything about the place indicates good management and that well applied labor is receiving its due reward.
On the 7th of March, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Altekruse, who was born in Muscatine county, June 17, 1851. Seven children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman: E. H., of Muscatine county; Alice E., now the wife of Frank Minder, also of Muscatine county; Irene M., the wife of Earl Idle, of this county; Wilbur R., of Muscatine county; Eva E., now Mrs. A Abbott of Muscatine county; Laura M., deceased; and Mary M. Mr. Chapman suffered the greatest bereavement of his life in the death of his beloved wife, who was called away November 23, 1890. She was a woman of many sterling qualities and to her husband was a faithful and loving helpmate. As a mother there was no sacrifice she was not willing to make for her children.
Mr. Chapman is identified with the United Brethren church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Politically he is in sympathy with the republican party and gives to its candidates his hearty support. He has never sought public office but as a friend of education has served most acceptably as member of the school board. In all the relations of life he has attempted to perform his duty and by his geniality and good will to all he has made many friends in Muscatine county.
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