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Below is a family biography included in The History of Barton County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1889.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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A. F. Chapman was born in Brown County, Ohio, January 4, 1826, and is a son of Benjamin and Ann (Ellis) Chapman, who were also born in Brown County, Ohio, the father dying there. He was a son of Henry Chapman, of Virginia, who came to Ohio during the first settlement of that State. Benjamin Chapman was a farmer all his life, and held numerous offices in his native State. Throughout his life he showed marked business ability, and was a successful financier. Politically he was a Democrat in his views. His wife died in Coles County, Ill. Two of their seven children are now living: A. F. and Samuel E., the latter a merchant of Coles County, Ill. A. F. Chapman attended the subscription schools of Brown County, Ohio, and when a boy of seventeen years left that State and went to Bracken County, Ky., where he was engaged in farming for seven years, with a cousin. In 1847 he was married, and moved to Illinois, locating in Coles County, then moved back to Bracken County at the end of two years, where he remained until 1869, at which time he located in Cass County, Mo. Here he made his home until 1882, since which time he has been a resident of Barton County, and has resided on his farm of 240 acres, situated in Pleasant Valley. When starting for himself he worked as a farm hand at $3 per month, but by industry and good management has made what property he now has. In 1847 he married Mary Porter, a daughter of Alexander Porter. She was born in Pennsylvania, and died in Bracken County, Ky., in 1861, leaving three children: Charles H., William F. and John L. Two reside in Lawrence County, Mo., and one in New Mexico. In 1861 he married Sallie Ann Ramley, a daughter of Samuel Ramley. She is a Kentuckian, and is still living, being the mother of three children: George M., a farmer of Barton County, Mo.; Samuel E. and Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are members of the Christian Church, and he is a Republican in his political views.

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This family biography is one of 166 biographies included in The History of Barton County, Missouri published in 1889.  For the complete description, click here: Barton County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

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