Obituary of REV. ROBERT CHAPMAN
OBITUARY
REV. ROBERT CHAPMAN
Died at his home in Mt. Sterling, Ill., in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7, 1891,
after a brief illness of congestion of the brain and heart
affliction, with wh ich he was stricken down Thursday morning, not regaining consciousness up
to the time of his death.
Rebert CHAPMAN was born in the nort part of Ireland March 17, 1818; was converted to
christianity at the age of 18 and began preaching at 20. For ten
years he was class leader, his class meetings being held in the morning before breakfast.
He came to America in 1849 and in 1852 was married to Miss Lillie
BURNSIDE of Pittsburg, Pa., with whom he came to Illinois in 1853. He joined the Illinois
M.E. conference in 1856 and his appointments were as follows:
Grand River, 1 year; Barry, 2 years; Payson, 2 years; Clayton, 2 years; Perry, 2 years;
Mt. Sterling, 1 year; supernumerary, 1 year; Clayton and Camp Point,
1 year; Pulaski, 2 years; LaPrairie, 1 year; supernumerary, 1 year; Mt. Sterling, 2 years.
Since 1875 he has been superannuated. He was a man of energy, a
strong preacher and successful toiler in the Master's vineyard. On charges where
they were building he commonly gave the society a part of his
salary-sometimes a large part- to aid them. His first wife died October 1885. He
was married again, to Mrs. Elizabeth Newingham, November 7, 1886. His
age at death was 73 years. He leaves a widow, a step-daughter and one brother.
Rev. CHAPMAN was so well known in this community, where he has resided for
many years, and was so universally esteemed that anything we might say
of him would be a feeble effort at expressing the sentiment and sympathy of the
people among whom he labored so long and faithfully. Mr. CHAPMAN
was also a business man and accumulated considerable property during his life.
He was in the harness and saddlery business for many years, but was forced
to retire from activity in the business world several years ago on account of
failing health, and of late years has led a quiet, retired life. In a recent
conversation with REV. L.A. POWELL he said: "I have seen many souls converted
and brought into the Kingdom, yet I ought to have done more for the Master."
The funeral occurred from the M.E. church at 11 o'clock Sunday morning and
was largely attended. Rev. W.M. REED of Clayton, who had known the
deceased since his first year in the conference, appropriately delivered the
discourse. His remarks touching his personal association with the deceased were
given with much feeling, bringing tears to his eyes and arousing the tender
sympathies of all present. Rev. G.A. LITTLE and Rev. L.A. POWELL assisted in
the services, the former reading a Psalm and the latter reading the biographical
sketch above. Floral offerings covered the coffin, one pretty design, a wreath,
being presented by the Epworth League, and a sickle by a friend. After the
services the burial took place at the city cemetery, whither the remains were
followed to their place of rest by a procession of sorrowing brethern, friends
and acquaintances.
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors,
and their works do follow them."