Connecticut western news., 1871-10-13
Bird B. Chapman.

Hon. B. B. Chapman died at his residence on Putin Bay Island, September 18th, 1871. His disease was au obscure affection of the brain, resulting in Paralysis. It was of several years duration, at first manifesiing itself by strange views, eccentricities of both thought and speech, and by its subtle and continued encroachment, his powerful constitution gave way till he became pros trated and helpless. He survived much longer after reaching this condition than many supposed it possible for him to, but at last his strong grasp on life yielded, and he sank into the embrace of dea.h.
 The career of Mir. Chapman was eventful and repete with interest He was born ut Salisbury, Conn.,, August 24, 1921, and consequently at the time of his death was fifty years of age. He came to Elyria, Ohio, with his father in the spring of 1924. He was educated at Oberlin, aud subse. quently studied law with H. D. Clark, of Eyria, was admitted to the bar in IS42, and soon thereafter located in Sandusky City with view of practicing his profes- sion. Impaired health, however compelled him to rcinquish his new field, and he returned to Elyria the next year. During the ten years that followed Le successfully held the positions of clerk in the Ohio Leg islature, clerk in the pension office at Wash ington, clerk in the House of Represents. tives at Washington, and special agent of the Postoffice department for Pennsylvania and Ohio. He resigned the latter position in 1855, to engage in wider and more adventurous field of operations in the then new Territory of Nebraska. Here he be. came at once leading and influential citi- Zen. He aided in building the first house in Omaha; published the first paper in the Territory, and, by his Zeal and ability, con- tributed largely to its organization, and to it's early and rapid development. He was elected the first delegate to Congress from Nebraska, in which position he was very active and influential in promoting the in. terests of the Territory, and she will always owe him an impayable debt for his deyo. ton to her welfare at this early and critical period of her history. .... .. -
 By sort of elective affinity. A very inti. mate friendship grew up between him and the late J. W. Gray, of the Cleveland Piain Deater, which relation continued until the death of the latter in 1862. Mir. Chap mans extensive knowledge of political parties, ms through acquaintance with the
 leading statesmen of the country, his clear comprehension of the great questions in issue, caused him to be recognized by his friend Gray as very valuable auxiliary in his efforts to make the P laie Dealer one of the leading journals of the country. Prior 10 1870, doubtless, Mir. Chapman's knowledge of public men was not excelled, if equaled, by any man of his age in the country. And it is not too much to say, that few enjoyed in this high circle great CT degree of confidence and esteem than l he. -..e ....,-
 l During his Congressional career, he lost his relish for public life and acquired an aversion to party politics, which led him to abandon the same at tho close of his term. His interest in public affairs was never relaxed, however, until disease had entirely prostrated his bodily and mental energies. Immediately after his return from Congress Mir. Chapman purchased a pleasant home in Eyria which he occu- pied Tor several years. In 1859, he be. came attracted by Putin Bay Island. where he bought property and soon thereafter identified himself with it's interests. He
 lrdenlly believed that it was destined to become one of the most desirable places of resort on the continent; he resolved 10
 make It his home, and lived to witness a partial realization of his hopes respecting the Island.
 In the capacity of neighbor and friend, MT. Chapman was proverbialy kind and ohliging. He was man of the warmest affections, and as brother, husband and parent, he fulfilled the obligations of each with unswerving fidelity and genuine de- votion. He was a born gentleman, posses sing genial disposition, pleasant ad-
 ress and winning manners. He was in- stinc,ively inclined to political life, he in- iuitively grasped knowledge of men, and comprehended at a glance the relative position of parties, With such oualitiea of mind and heart, nothing but destructive 1 disease could stay the onward and upward I march of such a man. It is with profound sorrow that we realize his departure from l earth. Would that we were capable of nobler and more appropriate tribute to 1 his memory. which will be cherished by a host of surviving friends, with love that never falters, and Q friendship that never dies. Cg6oeld7ad PSGSn DeGler. s.