The blue blood of the Hamiltons, who were so prominent in those troublous
days when the American forefathers were sacrificing their life's blood for
that priceless boon liberty, flows through the veins of Robert Hamilton
Chapman, he being a descendant of the distinguished Alexander Hamilton, who
was so closely identified with the early history of the republic as
secretary of the treasury in President Washington's cabinet. Being a man of
great energy, with a determination to accomplish perfectly whatever task he
set out to perform the subject of this sketch can look back over a very busy
career. Although he has been a resident of Noble township, Richland county,
but a short time he has many friends who admire him for his sterling
qualities.
Mr. Chapman was born in Kent county, Michigan, March n,
1853. His father was Anthony Chapman, who moved from New York to Michigan in
1828. His mother's maiden name was Adeline Hamilton, and she was a native of
New York. Four children were born to the couple, viz: Malina (Potter):
Edwena (Doris): Robert, the subject, and Amherst Cheney.
The subject
was wedded to Ida Kent, December 23, 1876. She was born in Williams county,
December 23, 1856. Her father lineally came from Irish stock, and was born
in 1810. Her mother was Sarah (Kearns) Kent, and was of German ancestry. Her
father was a pioneer in Ohio, and when he settled in Williams county, it was
in a very wild state, being practically a wilderness. He entered upon the
task of clearing this land, with vigor, and eventually concerted the
unbroken forest into fruitful fields. Incidentally he made "good Indians"
out of several very bad Indians. Mr. Kent helped build the first court-house
that was erected in Williams county.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the
parents of five children, namely; Robert, born May 20, 1878, is a prosperous
farmer and carpenter in Alberta, Canada; Pearl (Mrs. Billings) was born
October 17, 1879, resides in Noble township, her husband being manager of a
tile and brick factory. She has three children. Hazel, Myrtle and Claude.
George, born August 31, 1882, is a blacksmith, of Alberta. Canada, where
also resides Ruby (Mrs. Davis), who was born July 9, 1886, has two children.
Daisy and Dorothy. Barney Kent, born April 20, 1888, is also a resident of
Canada.
Mr. Chapman was a carpenter, fanner and lumber dealer until
he removed to Lake Arthur, Louisiana, in 1888, where he confined himself to
his first named trade. In 1892 the family made another change, removing to
Richmond. Texas, where Mr. Chapman combined the pursuit of agriculture with
mechanical labor. The great Galveston storm and tidal wave of 1900, which
created so much devastation, moved him to dispose of his interests in Texas,
and to remove to Noble township, where he worked as a blacksmith until 1901,
when he decided to try his fortunes in Alberta, Canada, where the majority
of his children were living, and shortly upon his arrival there he acquired
a homestead. After five years' residence in Canada the family returned to
Noble, where they purchased a desirable farm on which they have placed many
improvements in the way of modern machinerv for its cultivation.
Throughout his life Mr. Chapman has been imbued with the war spirit, and his
first attempt to serve his country was during the civil strife, when he
tried to enter as a drummer boy, but much to his chagrin was refused on
account of his tender years. He volunteered for Spanish-American war service
at Rosenburg, Texas, 1898, but failed to pass the examination, hence he has
given up all hope of ever satisfying his thirst for military glory. He has
been a lifelong Democrat. He is the possessor of a modest competence, and he
and his wife live in a very comfortable dwelling, happy in the knowledge
that they will be able to live a life of ease in the declining years of
their life.
Extracted 21 May 2019 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 481-482.
| Jasper | Crawford | |
| Clay |
 |
Lawrence |
| Wayne | Edwards | Wabash |
