Representative Joseph Chapman View All Years

HON. JOSEPH CHAPMAN.

MR. SPEAKER: Your committee appointed to draft resolutions of respect to the memory of Hon. Joseph Chapman, respectfully submit the following:

WHEREAS, The Hon. Joseph Chapman, an honored member of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth General Assemblies from Delaware County, departed this life at his home in Delaware County, October 30, 1905; and

WHEREAS, The life and character of the deceased was such as to command our respect and esteem, and his public services to the State of such distinction as to command the gratitude of his fellow citizens; therefore be it

Resolved, That the State has lost an able, conscientious citizen; a man who has suffered the inconveniences of pioneer life, and that we extend to his children our sincere sympathy.

Hon. Joseph Chapman was born in Worcester, England, June 15, 1821. While he was yet a small boy his parents decided to cast their lot in the New World, and moved their little family to the state of New York, settling in Otswego county. Here the subject of these resolutions was educated in the common schools of that time, and true to the old pioneer custom was taught a trade, that of glove maker, which he followed for several years. At the age of twenty-eight years he decided to seek his fortune in the “Great West.” So bidding farewell to the old home which contained so much that was dear to his early life, he set out alone for Iowa, and located at Colesburg, Delaware county, arriving there on Christmas day, 1850. At that time the town contained but one house.

As an evidence of the confidence and esteem in which he was held by the people of his community, he was the recipient of many offices of trust. For eighteen years he was justice of the peace of Colony township. For many years he was a member of the Board of Supervisors of Delaware county, and in 1876 he was elected Representative to the lower house of the State Legislature to which he was returned in 1878. He was also mayor of Colesburg, and postmaster, which office he held for twelve years. Though he was not a lawyer by profession he was frequently called upon for council on points relating to legal matters and he settled peaceably many controversies between his neighbors.

His death occurring on the evening of October 30, 1905, was caused by pneumonia. The funeral was held from the Congregational church at 1:30 P. M. on November 1st, under the auspices of the I. O. O. F. of which he had been a member for nearly fifty years.

On February 17, 1852 he was united in marriage with Susan E. Potts, and together they labored until her death on October 18, 1884.

He is survived by seven children all of whom were with him at the time of his death; and be it further

Resolved, That these resolutions be entered at length in the Journal of the House and the chief clerk be instructed to present an engrossed copy of these resolutions to the family of the deceased.

R. J. BIXBY,

J. D. SHAFFER,

PHILIP HELES,