History of Saint Johns Village, (Howard County) Maryland United States of America

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William Chapman, soldier, was born in St. Johns, Md., Jan. 22, 1810. He entered the military academy at West Point, July 1, 1827, and was graduated in 1831. He was employed on frontier duty at Fort Mackinac, Mich., during 1831-32; on the Black Hawk expedition, 1832, and as an assistant instructor of infantry tactics at West Point from October, 1832, to June 29, 1833. He was promoted 2nd lieutenant 5th infantry, March 4, 1833, and served on frontier duty at various forts until 1845. He was promoted 1st lieutenant, 5th infantry, Dec. 31, 1836, and captain 5th infantry, June 8, 1845. He served in the Mexican war and participated in nearly all the principal engagements. He was wounded at the capture of San Antonio, was brevetted major, Aug. 20, 1847, for gallant conduct at Contreras and Churubusco; and lieutenant-colonel, Sept. 8, 1847, for gallant and meritorious conduct in the battle of Molino del Rey. Garrison and frontier duties occupied him until 1861, when he was promoted major 2nd infantry, Feb. 25, 1861. His first service during the civil war was in the defence of Washington, after which he engaged in the siege of Yorktown, battle of Malvern Hill, Harrison's Landing, and in the northern Virginia campaign. He was promoted lieutenant-colonel 3rd infantry, Feb. 20, 1862, and brevetted colonel Aug 30, 1862, for conduct at the second battle of Bull Run; was on sick leave from September to December, 1862, and was retired from active service, with the rank of lieutenant-colonel, Aug. 26, 1863, "for disability resulting from long and faithful service, and disease contracted in the line of duty." He was employed as commander of the draft rendezvous at Madison, Wis., and on various duties until 1867. He died Dec. 17, 1887.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Saint Johns Village, (Howard County) Maryland

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