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About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 10, 1907)
JUDGE SAMUEL MATHEWS CHAPMAN PASSES INTO THE GREAT BEYOND Pioneer, Soldier, Now Legislator and Jurist at Rest (By Basil S.' Jtamsey.) IIEI: January 5. 1W7 at 1I:: oVhxk a. m.. at 1'lat tsmont h, C:iss niunty, N.l.raska. SAMI'KI. MATIiKWS "II A I'M AN. avl t(7 j-ars. :.' niim lis. 7 (lays. For a number of weeks J udge Chap man's physical condition had been such as to cause the greatest solici tude ou tlie part of his many friends throughout the county and sratrv While his dcmi.v: was not entnely un expected yet his death has cast a ''! nn over the community in whicli. for forty-two years he lias been :. most prominent, honored and leading citi zen. Although of somewhat fra;! physique, yet his strong will pv; r and remarkable vital fortvs led bis many friends earnestly to hope th.tt he would again be restored to h.-allh. Hut a power which no human skill can control has determined otherwise. His last fatal sickness continued for some two months, but that wonderful will power, so characteristic of our the famih. In when our subject was less than four years old, his father and family moved westward and settled In Des Moines county, Iowa, where they located on a large tract of land, near Kossuth. Here young Samuel grew from early childhood into young man hood. When old enough, his time was occupied in hard farm work, although I.e. was given such educational advan tages as were available at that time, and these were very limited. His chooi life commenced in t lie historic old 1 -g school houe, where the term or chooi was limited to about three u:i nths in the year at that time. " Hut with assiduous application he palitied h hi self to enter college, which he did. entering Yellow Springs O'lli'tre at Kossuth. Iowa, where he pursued his studies until the tocsin of war sounded from Fort .Sumter on April 12. lil. Military Career. Although but 22 years old. yet his love for the Old Flag overcame for the timebeinir his love of booits, and ten subject, kept him diligently at work j days fr,,m the shot on Sumter April man settled in Plattsmouth, Neb., where for the last forty-two years he has made his home. Soon after set tling in I'lattsmouth he entered the lawolliceof Hon. Turner M. Mar-iuett, then one of the leading lawyers of the then territory of Nebraska. Here he pursued his law studies with charac teristic assiduity for two years, and in HOT was admitted to the bar in open court at I'lattsmouth before Judge Elmer S. Dundy. He at once engaged actively and successfully Ju practice and soon formed a partnership with the late Judge Samuel Maxwell, who subseouentlv became one of the su preme court judges and one of Ne braskas ablest jurists. The firm of Maxwell & Chapman for a number of years had a large and lucrative prac tice and was considered one among the ablest firms in Nebraska. District Judge. house. the tenets of that church, an oney in his law otlice until afflicted nature compelled him to relinquish work and take to his bed. For the last year many of .Iud;re Chapman's most intimate friends had observed that his physical forces were 22, lst;i, cur subject enlisted at Bur lington, Iowa, as private in Company E, First Iowa Infantry. This enlist ment was under President Lincoln's first call for 75.000 volunteers and the enlistment was for three months. gradually yielding to the ravages of i with j,j4 regiment young Chapman time, but most earnestly hoped that j took p;ut i all the stirring events in he would yet be spared for many jears. j Missouri, under command of General Hon. Samuel M. Chapman (.! He Appeared J Yearn A'j") His last sickness was a complication of diseases incident to those of his age and was intensified by an acute at tack of bladder trouble. Until within a few days of the fatal termination, his frequent changes, apparently for the better, strengthened the hope that he would yet recover. During all the many hours of suffer ing, and fully realizing his condition, he maintained wonderful composure, with peaceful, uncomplaining and calm resignation. Biography. Samuel Mathews Chapman was born October 23, 1S3'.), at Blairsville, Indi ana county, Pennsylvania, and had niwft his sixtv-se.enth year His an cestry on both sides date back tn-j early pioneer settlement of Pennl ; vania. His father, Joseph Chapman' was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, in His mother, whose maiden name was Eliza Pollock, belonged to a family whose early an cestors emigrated from the north of Ireland in 1750 and who bore a con spicuous part in the early settlement of the Keystone state. To the father and mother of our subject eight chil dren were born, of whom only three now remain Mrs. Jennie C. Barclay, of Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Mary C. Maston, of Mediapolis, Iowa , both of whom were present at the f uneral,and Samuel's twin brother, Joseph M., who resides at San Diego, Cal. Sam uel and Joseph were the youngest of Nathaniel Lyon, whose campaign in this state ended at the battle of Wilson's Creek, where Gen. Lyon was killed. Scon after this battle young Chap man, in the latter part of August, 181, returned to his home at Kossuth, the time or his enlistment having ex pi red. On October 17, 1861, here-enlisted as private in Company K, Four teenth Iowa Infantry and was made 5th sergeant. His regiment served with the Second Division of the Army of Tennessee and later with the Six teenth Army Corps. His regiment served in number of the greatest battles of the civil war, among them being Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Fort Ie liu.ssey. Pleasant Hill, Yellow Bayou, Point Chicot, Tupelo, Old Town and Pilot Knob. And upon the battle tlag of this regiment were in scribed the names of the above en gagements. Although suffering from ill health much of the time, which at times forced him to the hospital for treatment, yet young Chapman bore a distinguished part in pearly every bat tle and skirmish in which his regi ment was engaged. After serving a total of three years and five months in one of the greatest civil wars cf history our subject was mustered out of service November 16, 164, at Davenport, Iowa. Settles at Plattsmouth. On New Year's day, 1365, when only j a little past 25 years old. Judge Chap-1 The law firm of Maxwell & Chapman continued until 1373, when Judge Max well was elevated to the supreme bench of Nebraska, and our subject continued the practice until Novem ber 1386. At this time the office of district judge became vacant by reason of the death of J udge Mitchell of Otoe county. Judge Chapman was selected to nil the vacancy, and in 1887 was elected for a full term of four years. lie was re-elected in 1891, serving ten consecutive years upon the bench, during a portion of the time Lancas ter county being a part of the judicial district. The long term of service upon the bench and the fact that fre quently Jude Chapman was called into other districts to preside at im portant trials, indicate theconlidence which litigants and the people in gen eral had in his ability and impartial ity as a trial court and able jurist. State Senator. During all his long life Judge Chap man was a stanch republican, having cast his tirst vote in 1SG0 for the first republican elected to the presidency of the United States Abraham Lin coln. After settling in Nebraska and commencing his professional career, it was but natural that he should be come an active and leading member of his party. But it seems that he was much less active as an office seeker than he was for the success of his party. But in 1374 he became the candidate of his party for state sena tor for Cass county and elected by a large majority, taking his seat as such senator on January 7, 1875. He had the honor of being selected chairman of the most important committee of any legislative body that of the ju diciary. His record during this session of the legislature was one highly creditable to his ability. In 1376 he was a can didate for re-election as state senator, but had a strong competitor in the candidacy of the late General Robert It. Livingston, whom the democrats had nominated and who was supported by a considerable aumber of indepen aenc republicans. The contest was a strong and hot one worthy two such strong, aoie and energetic leaders as Chapman and Livingston. JudgeChap man was elected and became a mem ber of the legislature of 1377. He was again made chairman of the senate ju diciary committee, upon which he served with signal ability and well merited success. During this session he was conceded one of the strongest and by mauy the ablest member of the senate. Marriage. Judge Chapman was twice married On October 14, 13J9 at Plattsmouth, Neb., by Be v. Jason G. Miller of the M. E. church, he was united in marri age to Miss Sarah E. Putnam, who was born at Ludlow, Vermont, May 11, 1345, and died at Plattsmouth, Neb., February 11, 1330. To this union four children were born: Harriet Eliz aoein, oorn -uecemoer n, 1370; mar ried to Frederick T. Battell at Platts mouth, June 21, 1899. Next in the or der of birth was a son who died in infancy. Thomas Putnam, born De cember 31, 1375; married to MissEstelle Frances Inzer at Balto, Maryland, on June, 30, 1902. Sarah Emaline, the fourth child, born January 31, 1830; died March 26, 1830. On June 1, 1882, Judge Chapman was united in marriage at Platts mouth, Neb., to Miss Agnes D. Samp son, itev. Dr. Baird officiating. To this union eight children were bom j ne nrst in oroer or Dirtii was a son that died the day of its birth. Samuel Maxwell, born August 12, 1384; died at Missoula, Montana, September 10, 1902; Helen nope, born July 31, 1S87; Joseph and John, twins, born June 20, 1389. Joseph died July 23. 1S90; Ruth Margaret, born December 20, 1893; Joseph Wilber, born July 17, 1896, and Clement M. born April 25, 1902. It was in the home life that Judge Chapman ever exhibited those loving traits of character and of heart which endear husband to wife and father to children. And the devotion of the wife to her husband during his last and fatal illness, her tender, careful nursing in the almost hopeless task of again restoring him to health, most touchingly and most beautifully illus trate one of the noblest qualities of the human heart. Judge Chapman was a member of the Presbyterian church of Platts mouth, having expressed full belief in faith in the atonement and livand istence beyond the grave. Funeral Services. On Monday, January 7, 1907, at 2:30 o'clock p.m., funeral services were held atthe Presbyterian churchwherea very large concourse of people assembled to pay a last tribute of respect and es teem to the memory of one whom they had so long known, loved and honored The services were under the beautiful and impressive ritual of the Masonic Fraternity of which deceased bad long been a member. Judge Chapman was also a member of the Odd Fellows, the Grand Army of the Republic, the Be nevolent Order of Elks, all of which orders attended in a body as did also the Eastern Star and the Bar of Cass county. The beautiful services of the Knights Templar, conducted by Grand Recorder Frances E. White, of Oma ha, were followed by impressive church services conducted by Rev. J. II. Sals- bury, Dr. J. T. Baird and Canon II. B Burgess. Dr. Baird, who had known deceased from early manhood, deliver ed a touching eulogy on his life work. Music was rendered by Mrs. J. W. Gamble, Mrs. G. L. Farley, Mrs. J. II. Donnelly and Messrs. G. L. Farley and B. A. McElwain, among the selec tions being that beautiful and touch ing solo, "Saved by Grace," sang by Mrs. Gamble, accompanied by Mrs. Farley. Floral decorations were many and beautiful, thus mutely attesting the love and esteem for the honored dead. Upon the casket a most impressive scene met the eye. Around the masses of lowers was entwined the torn and tattered battle l!ag under which de ceased had taken the oath of allegiance as a soldier in the Union army, nearly forty-six years ago. The honorary pall bearers, selected from old and intimate friends of de ceased and family, were: Judge J W. Johnson, Judge W. H. Newell, R W. Hyers, W. J. White, John II. Beck er and F. G. Fricke. Active pall bear ers, selected from members of the bar were: Jesse L. Root, Judge Paul Jes- sen, Carey S. Polk, Byron Clark, A.L. Tidd and Wm. Deles Dernier. After the conclusion of the services at the church, the long cortege wend ed its way to Oak Hill cemetery, where, under the closing ritual of the Masonic Fraternity, all that remained mortal of an early pioneer; of an honored lead ing citizen; of a devoted, loving hus band and father, was consigned to its final home, there to rest by the side of loved ones and beneath the rose, the vine and the evergreen. Closing Tribute. From every life we draw a lesson. The life work the thought, the ex ample of those who have passed away, live on and become our teachers. The boy and girl in school draw inspiration from the thought and example of brain-workers who may have lived centuries ago. This inspiration be comes a stimulus to action, to toil, to industry, to advancement upward and onward. Judge Chapman began at the bottom. He drew inspiration from others and saw success and ad vancement before him. He worked and toiled with an object advance ment upward and usefulness in the world. He succeeded, not in the acqui- tion of great wealth but in something! else ia helping to make history the record of soldier, of legislator, of jurist. But Judge Chapman will be otherwise long remembered. He will be remem bered as the loving husband, the ten der devoted father, the genial, faith ful, charitable friend. Judge Chapman's mental endow ments were of a high order. His mind grasped ideas almost intuitively and judicial problems were readily solved. But while on the bench, the apparent ly harsh and hard exactions of the let ter of the law, were often tempered by that tenderness and sympathy so characteristic of his nature. Mi -jMcimnu iu iniN& ahuui Does Plattsmouth Desire the Summer Ses sion of the Teachers' Institute? At a recent meeting of the teachers of Cass county in Weeping Water.it was resolved to hold the annual insti tute, which meets in August next, in the town that oilers the best induce ments, and in this manner County Superintendent Gamble lias been re lleved of the responsibility of select lng the place. The annual institute brings to town every teacher in the county and they remain a week, and while most of these teachers are composed generally of handsome young ladies, such a gathering always adds tone to the towns in which so many pretty young ladies, congregate. Plattsmouth should have the next meeting of the county institute by all means, and our busi ness men should begin to think about the master as early as possible. Some time ago the Journal suggested the holding of a Chautauqua in Platts mouth next summer and our sugges tion met with the approval of quite a number of leading citizens. Now why could not arrangements be per fected for the holding of the institute and a Chautauqua at the same time? Such an arrangement would meet the approval of the teachers, and give a good startfor the holdingof achautau qna annually . Think of this propo sition, and don't wait till the last minute to take action on the matter, but act before it is too late. Other towns want the institute and so does I'lattsmouth. Ladies9 HOLEPROOF HOSE Its not generally known that we carry the Hole proof Hosiery for ladies. The demand has ex hausted our stock of them twice but just now we can supply you. $2.00 a Dox C. E. Wescott's Whr Quality Counts." Goes to Milwaukee Wisconsin. M. F. Lobdell, who has been chief clerk of the B. & M. storehouse for several months, has resigned his po sition to accept a more lucrative one with the Bucyrus Manufacturing Co of Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell have resided iu riattsmouth but a few months, but during that short period they have made many friends by their social qualities, who will regret their departure from our city. We understand that Peter Han sen, jr., will succeed him as chief clerk THE FERRY PROPOSITION REFUGE. In Memory of Judge S. M. Chapman. We are like children throutrh a forest straying Led on by fancy to the shady stream. Plucking the tall, white lilies gently swaying. Or counting swords of gold that gllst and gleam Into the silence where the waters dream. We are like children. With the daylight glow ing On rosy blossom, and on tinted leaf. We sail the river with white sails a-blowing. Forgetting care and sorrow, pain and grief. Forgetting age which follows like a thief. We are like children. When the light receding. Hides the familiar landmarks from our eye. We lose each other, and in bitter pleading. We seek the path, and often pass it by. When nljrht comes stealing, oh. how sad we rrv. And since we are but children. One is holding hand of each of us. and when we fall. He lifts us in njs arms, close, close enfolding. And calms the terrors that our souls appal. He bears us home in safety, one and all. I'lattsmouth, January 5. lm7. Isabel IIicnEV. How to Cure Chilblains. "To enjoy freedom from chilblains," writes John Kemp, East Otisfield, Me., I apply Bucklen's Arnica Salve. Have also used it for salt rheum with excel lent results." Guaranteed to cure fever sores, indolent ulcers, piles, burns, wounds, frost bites and skin diseases. 25c at F. G. Fricke & Co.'s drug store. Are the Merchants to Make an Agreement With O'Neill as They Did Last Year? What about make another contract with Ferryman O'Neill to secure the 25-cent rate for this year, as an incen tive to the people in the western part of Millscounty to trade in Plattsmouth? If the merchants intend to do as they did last year, now is the time that they should not only consider, but also act upon this proposition, in order that Mr. O'Neill will abide by the above rate when the ferry resumes op erations in the spring. After extensive advertisiLg and a personal trip through the territory on the east side of the river, Mr. O'Neill got the fact before the Iowa people that the 25-cent rate had been made for them. With a general understand ing to this effect, negligence on the the part of the business men of this city would cause them to lose the ad vantage that has been gained over last year. That this contract more than re paid the local merchants cannot be doubted when one stops to consider, that some sixteen hundred teams crossed the river last year. With ev ery vehicle there was at least one per son, and in the majority of cases, the whole family came with the rig, in or der to do some shopping while the farmer was marketing his produce. During last year one man alone re turned home with $100 worth of goods purchased during a day spent in this city. Of course the purchases were likely divided up among several mer chants, and at this rate it is evident that the hundred or more families of this territory must be regarded as an important factor in the trade of this city. Deputy Assessors Selected. At the meeting of the county com missioners the list of deputy assessors prepared by County Assessor J. M. Teegarden, was examined and ap proved. The following gentlemen are the ones selected for the various pre cincts: Fred Muenehan, Tipton; Isaac To land, Greenwood; H. E. Coleman, Salt Creek; W. N. Minford, Stove Creek: G. V. Pickwell, Elmwood; J. W. Icea- soner, Jaouth Bend; K. B. Jameson, Weeping Water: A. Jenkins, Center: August Panska. Louisville; P. O. Huchens, Avoca; Wilson Gilmore, Mt. Pleasant: Jno. Albert, Eight Mile Grove: II. F. Kropp, Nehawka; Geo. N. LaRue, Liberty; Lloyd Gapen, Bock Bluffs: I. W. Teegarden, Weep ing Water City; T. L. Murphy, Platts mouth City; Ben Horning, Platts mouth precinct. Farm for Rent. Fifty-acre farm, seven miles south of Plattsmouth. Must be rented at once. For particulars see, Sam J. Smith, Plattsmouth, Neb. A QUIET HOME WEDDING Miss Irene Leesley and Mr. W.n. A. In galls of Shelby, Neb., Married at 9:45 A. M. by Rev. Houlgate. The home of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Leesley was the scene of a juiet home wedding this morning when their daughter, Miss Irene, was united in marriage to Mr. Wm. A. Ingalls, of Shelby, Neb., at 9:45 o'clock by Rev. J. E. Houlgate, rector of the Metho dist church. The ceremony that joined the two happy hearts as one was performed in the presence of only the immediate relatives of the "bride's, and after spending but a short time at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls repaired to the Missouri Pacific depot to take the train to Omaha. At the station they were much sur prised to discover a large number of friends awaiting their coming. The party was composed of members of the Euterpean Glee club, who, learn ing of the happy event through a kind friend, had hastened to the depot to tender them a farewell reception. This they proceeded to do in every way possible, and much to the chagrin of the newly married they managed to elude the watchful eyes of the bag gageman and decorate the young couple's trunk in a very artistic man ner. When the train pulled into the station the passengers and trainmen were given letters of instructions and introductions and in showers of rice and old shoes the newlv wedded boarded the train. Mr. and Mrs. Ingalls will make their home in Shelby for the present, where he is engaged in the real estate busi ness. The bride is an accomplished daugh ter of Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Leesly, and being reared to womanhood in this city, she has many friends who will be delighted to learn of the happy affair. The Journal joins the many friends in wishing the young couple a happy and prosperous wedded life. When the cold winds dry and crack the skin a box of salve can save much discomfort. In buying salve look for the name on the box to avoid any imi tations, and be sure you get the origi nal DeWitt's Witch nazel Salve. Sold by F. G. Fricke & Co. The Senate Lobby. The lobby, the lobbyist and their Insidious ways, caused a burst of elo quence in the senate, Tuesday morn ing. Senator Wilsey of Frontier started the trouble by introducing a search ing resolution against lobbyists, order ing their instant arrest and prompt punishment. It was laid over until Wednesday. Senator Burns declared the reso'u tion was part of the buncombe result ing from recent agitation. It foolish, he said. The most humM had a constitutional right to behea. Senators should be above suspici. t Lobbyists could not be defined or al ways detected. If the lobbyists are excluded from the senate, the Journal misses its guess. The corporations have t many friends in that body. Live Poiltry WANTED! nens, per lb 8c Young Boosters, per lb. . . ! ! .' .To Ducks 7-c Oeese ..Sc nen Turkeys ice Tom Turkeys 8c In cash, delivered at Zuckweifer & Lutz's store, Saturday, January 12th. Craws to be empty. J. B. Everett.