Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-09
DEATH OF DIR. CHAPLIN
ONE OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS
OF WASHINGTON.
Graduated From Columbian University
at the Age Of Sixteen-Sketch
of His Career.

DIR. E. NJ. Chaplin, who has been a resident
Of the District of Columbia during the
greater part of the past eighty years. died
last evening at 1880 o'clock at his resi-
dence. 1920 18th street northwest. For the
past few years DR.. Chapins condition had
been somewhat feeble, but with the excep-
ton Of minor infirmities he had enjoyed
good health. Yesterday afternoon while
walking upstairs to his room he slipped on
the stairs and fell. His death occurred a
few hours later as a consequence of the
shock.
The funeral will take place Wednesday
morning at II O. clock from the family resi-
dence. Rev. DR.. c. F. Winbigler, pastor of
the First Baptist Church, will conduct the
service, and interment will be made in Con-
gressional cemetery.
Erastus M. Chaplin was born in Yarmouth
Maine, in 1920. and came to Washington
with his parents at the age Of six years.
his father. Stephen Chaplin, coming to this
city from Colby University. at Waterville
Me-, to accept the presidency Of the Column
bian University. He was one Of the early
presidents of that institution, and 1t is
stated as a coincidence that DR.. Whitman,
who was president OF Columbian University
several years ago. also came to that in
stitution from Colby University.
Among the First Graduates.
DR.. E. M. Chaplin began his studies in Co
lumbar at an early age, and graduated
from the school when only sixteen years
old. He was among the first Of the grad
yates Of that university. After graduating
he went to Georgia to teach school. There
were no railroads in that country at that
time, and the young man drove all the way
to his destination in a buggy. After teach
ing several years, he returned to Washing
ton and studied medicine in Columbian
When he received his degree he again went
to Georgia and practiced his profession for
several years, but later returned to this
city and established himself in the drug
business.
Retiring from the drug business he be-
came a contractor. He constructed some
Of the first railroad lines in Georgia, and
built a number Of buildings In this city.
Among others, he built the foundations Of
the Church Of the Ascension and Of the
coast survey building on New Jersey avenue
southeast. During the civil war he was
proprietor of a livery stable on G street.
Was Deputy q. s. Marshal.
In the early fifties DR.. Chaplin was deputy
United States marshal Of the District of
Columbia Prior to the civil war he occu-
pied the position Of police magistrate of the
District, and later was a member of the
excise board. For many years he was
superintendent Of streets in Washington.
He retired from active life about fifteen
years ago.
Dr., Chaplin is the last of a family Of six
children. He was married in 1854 to a
Washington lady, who survives him. He Is
also survived by three nieces and three
nephews-Ella M. Kerfoot, Matte D. Ell
lery, Sallie B. Chaplin. Edward L. Chaplin,
Stephen E. Chaplin and John D. Chapin-all
Of whom reside in this city.
He was a member Of the Oldest Inhabi-
tants Association, and had been an at
tendant and member of the First Baptist
Church in this city for about fifty years.