User:Anne MacGall/frankchapman

Franklin W. Chapman (nickname Frank, March 1, 1835-November 12, 1913) was a veteran of the American Civil War. Chapman served for 2 years, becoming a Sutler after a medical discharge. Chapman wrote extensively on his time in the service, penning a 1,500 page journal.

Early life
Frank Chapman was born on March 1, 1835 to Cyrus & Sarah (nee Blanchard) Chapman in New York State. The family lived in Winfield, New York, and Frank worked as a shoemaker as early as 15 years old.

In 1855, Frank married Mary Ann Eggleston (1839-1927). The couple moved to Mount Pleasant, Illinois, and by 1860, Chapman had created a business as a jeweler.

Civil War Service
Frank Chapman joined the Union Army, and was mustered in for three years as a Sergeant in Co. B of the 34th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment on September 7, 1861 at Camp Butler in Illinois. Chapman had gotten up the regiment with other local men Hiram W. Bristol and Edward N. Kirk.

Chapman and the 34th Illinois joined the Army of the Ohio and then the Army of the Cumberland. Chapman was involved in several major battles, including Pittsburg Landing, Stone's River, and the siege at Corinth.

Chapman received a medical discharge in February 1863. He had been ailing from stomach and throat troubles since the summer of 1862. After his discharge, Chapman remained at the front as a sutler for Battery H of the 5th US Artillery. This only lasted until August of 1863, when he went to be with his ailing wife in Winfield, New York.

His Journal
During his time in the Army, Chapman kept a small field notebook where he would take "notes" at the end of his day, recording the events. After the war, he expanded on these notes and created a 1,500 page, 2 volume bound journal. In his journal, Chapman describes the day to day of his life in the army, including internal squabbles and discussions on his place in the hierarchy. Chapman also describes the battles he participated in, as well as the struggles that came with them, mentally and physically. He wrote constantly of how much he missed his “little wife” back home, and his frustrations that the Army had no respect for the Sabbath on Sundays. This journal is currently in the collection of and on exhibit at the Civil War Museum in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Post War Life
After Chapman returned to New York, it is unclear how long the couple stayed before returning to Illinois. Mary gave birth to their first child Edna Chapman in 1867, in Illinois, and the 1870 Federal census also places the couple back in Union Grove, Illinois. Chapman had at this time started farming.

The couple had two more children, Edwin M. in 1871, and Oscar Eggleton in 1884.

By 1900, the Chapman family had moved to Chicago. Here, Frank worked as a carpenter contractor. Frank died on November 12, 1913.