Charles W. Chapman came of sturdy parentage, his father. Joseph H. Chapman, being a native of New London, Conn., and his mother, Martha Wooley, being from Philadelphia, and of English descent. He was born at Mauch Chunk June 29, 1836, and died in Catasauqua March 13, 1904. He was in his 68th year at the time of his death His family were raised and educated in Mauch Chunk.

In 1853-54, when the Lehigh Valley Railroad was being constructed through this valley, he associated himself with his brother, Lansford F., as a civil engineer and gained i practical knowledge of railroad construction. When the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad was projected in 1856, he and his elder brother laid out the route, the terminus at that time being Chapman, a station named after the family.

In 1858. he was engaged to run the hues for the North Penn and Delaware Railroad from Freemansburg to Delaware Water Gap. In 1859. he accompanied contractor Robert McIntyre to Washington, D. C., and did the engineering work of the CabinJohn Viaduct. which carries the Capital water supply over the Potomac. This stone-arch structure is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. In 860, he returned to Mauch Chunk and entered the employ of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Soon after, the Civil War broke out and Mr. Chapman was mustered into the service as a Second Lieutenant of Co. E., 28th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. This regiment won a great name in the Armies of the Potomac and Cumberland. He was promoted to First Lieutenant February 1, 1863, and was mustered out July 30, 1864. His brother Lansford, promoted to Major in January, 1863, was killed in front of Chancellorsville Hotel during that bloody engagement, May 3, 1863. Charles W. Chapman was engaged in the desperate battles of Antietam and Gettysburg.

In 1865, he returned to Mauch Chunk and reentered the service of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, and in the fall he went with an engineering corps to Broad Top as superintendent of the Broad Top Coal and Iron Companyand opened up several coal mines.

In July 1867, he was made superintendent of the Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad and continued in that capacity until the time of his death. In November 1890, the Reading Railway Company purchased of the Crane Railway Company a controlling interest in the C. & F. R. R., and Mr. Chapman was retained as supervisor of the road.

On November 13. 1860, he was married to Miss Annie, daughter of the late William Phillips. She preceded him in death by four years. They were blessed with two sons, Lansford F., a civil engineer of New York City, and Edwin, a machinist in the employ of the Atlas Cement Company.

In the life of Catasauqua, Charles W. Chapman has borne a prominent part. For many years he served as Borough Engineer. For twenty-four years he was a prominent member and president of the School Board. Fairview Cemetery was laid out by him and for many years he was superintendent of the same and president of the association, never accepting any pay for his efficient services.

He took an active interest in the several building associations and was an influential member of the Masonic Order, being a Past Master of Porter Lodge. No. 284, F. and A. M., and a Companion of Catasauqua Royal Arch Chapter. No. 278. and a member of Beacon Council. No. 422, Royal Arcanum of Allentown. In politics, he was a conservative Republican. As a citizen he was always foremost in promoting the advancement of the community; in morality and temperance he was outspoken; as a friend he was steadfast and true.