The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1897-07-22

TT
one of the promoters of the Ohio South.
terested in the development Of the Gin
cinnati, Hamilton and Dayton Rail
way.
He is president of the Chapman Coal
Company, operating the Grace, Spring
field and Chapman mines, and holds
the same position with the Wellston
and Jackson Fuel Company and the
Tropic Iron Company. The Chapman
Coal Company was the pioneer in the
Jackson County and Southern Ohio
fields. and ranks among the first in the
production of coal in the Buckeye
State. operating three mines and EN-
plOying nearly 5000 men.
When Mr.. Chapman came to Ohio he
was a man of small means, but by care
full mana cement and economy he ac-
quired considerable property. He has
always avoided speculation and specu-
lative methods in the management Of
his business. His relations with his
employees have always been friendly
and confidential. In many instances
the wage rate in the Chapman mines
has exceeded the rate paid in other
mines in the same market, Mr. Chap
man preferring to continue his opera
tions under difficulties to the demoraI-
ization which always follows protract-
ed strikes.
Although a strong Demicrat, Mr..
Chapman has never looked disapprov-
ingly upon meetings of his employees
called under the auspices of different
political faith, and even gone so far as
to furnish accommodations for politi-
cal opponents working in his employ.
Connected with the Chapman mines is
what Is known as the Chapman store,
where the miners purchase their gro
ceries and household supplies. All sales
are made for cash and wages are paid
in cash biweekly. Mr.. Chapman is
opposed to the pass-book sys-
TEN, on the ground that it dulls the
edge of husbandry and persuades
workingmen to live beyond their
1t is noteworthy fact that in the
more than twenty years Mr. Chapman
has been engaged in the-cOal business
his employees have never struck for
higher wages, nor have their condi.
tons ever compelled them to live upon
herbs and roots. as has been the case
in other parts of the State. While con
siderate and charitable to his en-
ployes, Mr.. Chapman is nevertheless n
practical business man, and believes
that every man should stand upon his
own Industrial foundation.
First Work in Ohio.
Mr.. Chapman came to Ohio in his
seventeenth year. His first duties
with the lumber firm with which he
consisted in sorting out lum-
Der, unloading boats and driving a
.eam. In the evening he worked on
he firms books and kept tab on the |
lebits and credits, which proved TO be |
IN unruly team in the early days. For |
his various services young Chapman |
received $40 a month. He was eco
however, and his savings.
with his capacity for bust
less and indomitable energy, soon won
rim place as a member of the firm.
Although fairly successful in his busy,
aborious life, Chapman found little
n it to entertain his higher ambitions.
accordingly he told his partner of his
liscontentment one day and entered
he law office of Moore & Johnson.
vhere he wrestled with Blackstone and
yoke and LittletOn from 1861 until
S63. 1t so happened, however. that
'oung Chapman never tried more than
ne case. and that was before a justice
f the peace. Both members of the
rm found it inconvenient to appear
or their client one eventful day. and
ccordingly deputized Chapman to take
he case In their behalf.
When he reached the courtroom he
ound that Eli Grover, an ex-member
f the Legislature and well-known
ublic man of that day. was counsel
Or the other side. The odds, Chapman
we're against him. but, moth
1g daunted. he addressed himself to
is task and went in to win. He did
lin, but the law, he discovered. had its
dvantages as well as its prizes. and
e decided after due deliberation TO
bandOn 1t for business career. He
lerefore formed a partnership with
hilander Kinney under the Arm name
Kinney & Chapman and engaged in
le banking business. Two Years later.
| 1865, he moved to this city. where
e has maintained his residence ever
nee.
National Bank Question.
When rebuked because of his connec-
on with a national bank. Mr.. Chap
IAN answered his critics as follows:
1T is true that | am a stockholde. in
le First National Bank of Jackson. I
old stock because it is 4 business in
estment offered me by the govern :
tnt and not because | am in accord ,
ith the national banking system in al! ;
S details. ] do not believe in banks
Issue. / believe that the power to ,
lin and issue money is constitu-
Onal one and therefore cannot be con- i