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James Chapin
Benton County
Born in West Springfield, Massachusetts, October 25, 1822 to Stephen Chapin and Lovina Hummiston. He passed away on July 18, 1908 in Los Angeles, California. James Chapin and three brothers, with their families, came to Galena, Illinois. Leaving their wives there, he and his brothers came to Benton County, Iowa in October, 1852. They selected land and went to Dubuque and entered it, the three brothers wintered in Mahan's shanty. They put up shanties in the Winter, and in April went for their families. Among his sister's goods was a piano, the first one brought in Benton County. The Chapin's engaged in farming used to cart grain to Iowa City, sold wheat for thirty-five cents a bushel, and they were among the earliest settlers. On June 1, 1859 made application for a marriage license to permit him to unite in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary D. Butler. James married Mary D Butler and had a child. James Chapin, of Benton county, was a member of the Senate in the Twelfth and Thirteenth General Assemblies. He moved to California and made his home at Los Angeles.
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