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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of George H. CHAPIN 

[Surnames: CHAPIN, FLEMING, HARDY, McLOUTH] 

CHAPIN, GEORGE H. 

    
For many years a prominent and prosperous farmer of Lewistown Twp., but now living in retirement, was born in Michigan, just before its admission into the Union on Dec. 13, 1836. He is the son of Johan and Elizabeth (HARDY) Chapin, natives of Vermont and Pennsylvania, respectively. In 1838 John Chapin moved with his family to this county and settled in Lewistown Twp., where the father was engaged in farming. He died in 1841, the mother surviving him until 1882. They were the parents of eight children, of whom George H. is the only survivor. 
    
George H. Chapin was educated in the district schools of Fulton County, where he has always made his home. On reaching mature years he applied himself to farming, in which he has been successful. He has been an energetic, diligent and careful farmer, and in all the hardships, privations, and difficulties incident to the life of the early settlers manifested that patience, resolution and perseverance that enabled him to con- tribute his full share toward the development of Fulton Co., of which for fifty years, he has been a representative citizen. On February 28, 1860, Mr. Chapin was united in marriage with Rachel (FLEMING), who was born in Morgan Co., OH, Dec. 4, 1836. There her parents died and she together with her brother John, and two sisters, Caroline and Elizabeth, moved to Fulton County about the year 1858. 
    
Mr. and Mrs. Chapin had three children:
one who died in infancy
John F., a farmer of Liverpool Twp.
Mary, wife of Sherman McLOUTH, with whom Mr. Chapin is spending his declilning years. 
    
Mrs. Chapin, who was a most worthy and estimable woman, died Jan. 27, 1879. She was a devout Christian and a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
    
On political issues Mr. Chapin has always been a supporter of the Republican party but has never entertained any ambition for public office.