William Chapman was born in the Parish of St. Peth, in Cornwall, England, and by occupation was a slater in the Dilli Bole Quarries, owned by Lord T. Avery, who fitted up a company of ninety men at his own expense for the English army, our subject's father being Lieutenant of the same. They were called to France before the battle of Waterloo, in which they took an active part, and in which William Chapman was severely wounded. He was taken to Mt. Tonenshau, and was there nursed back to health by his faithful wife, who had hastened to his side after hearing of his injuries. While there his son, William, was born, in 1816. The father, after recovering from his wounds, returned to England, and was made weighmaster in the quarries. His death occurred in Cornwall, when he was over eighty years of age.

His wife, Elizabeth Chapman, an estimable lady, also a native of Cornwall, died in 1828, in the faith of the Episcopal Church, of which they were both members. They were the parents of three sons, only one of whom, our subject, is now living.