JUSTICE CHAPMAN, farmer, section 36, Monroe Township, was born in Phelps, Ontario Co., N.Y., Feb. 18, 1820, and is a son of Justice and Clara C. (Evarts) Chapman. The father was born in New Hampshire and died in November, 1819. The mother was a native of Connecticut, and after the death of her first husband, became the wife of Joshua French.
Mr. Chapman spent the ealry years of his life in obtaining his education and preparation for a successful and useful future, and at 16 years of age entered upon the career of builder, working also at farming for a time, after which he engaged in teaching and followed that profession for a number of years.
He was married in 1848, to Isabel Spraker, born in Montgomery Co., N.Y., in 1829. After that event he remained in the Empire State one year, removing to Liberty, Jackson Co., Mich., where he bought a small farm and engaged in the business of a nursery-man, growing fruit trees. He officiated as Postmaster of the Township for 25 years. In April, 1868, he came to Eaton County, and a year later he came to Newaygo County, where in 1869 he entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of land and enbarked at once in work of improving and cultivating his property. In the same year he took charge of the post office and discharged its duties and the office was discontinued.
The family includes the following children: Adelbert S., Emma E. (Mrs. Henry Hollister), George W., Mary C. (Mrs. William Griffith), Horace E., already a trusted and competent citizen of Monroe Township. George W. was born Aug. 31, 1855, and was married Jan. 17, 1880, to Ada Eva Corbett, a native of Farmington, Me., born June 21, 1860. One child has been born to them.
Mr. Chapman is now the owner of 160 acres of lnd in Monroe Township and 80 acres in Norwich Township. He has trained his sons in the moral and political principles which have proved his best capital i business, and they are active, zealous Republicans.