Frank H. Chapman

Frank Hyde Chapman was born in Woodstock, Vermont on March 8, 1851, a son of druggist Charles Chapman and Emily Hyde (Whitney) Chapman.[1] He was educated in Woodstock and his father trained him to join the family's pharmacy business.[2] Chapman worked in Woodstock until 1880, when he moved to Rutland and purchased a drug store, which he operated as F.H. Chapman & Co.[2] He later sold the store, after which he owned or worked at several other pharmacies Rutland.[2] In addition to working as a pharmacist and owning drug stores, Chapman also operated a real estate and insurance agency.[2] A Republican,[3] he served in local offices including assessor,[4] member of the board of health,[5] member of the liquor licensing commission,[3] and justice of the peace.[6]

Chapman joined the Vermont National Guard in 1881, and was appointed a hospital steward in 1884.[7] During the Spanish–American War, he was commissioned a first lieutenant on the staff of Vermont's 1st Brigade, and provided advice and guidance on hygiene and medical support for troops preparing to serve overseas.[7][8] During his military service, Chapman was credited with design and creation of a medical supply chest that became standard issue for Vermont National Guard units in the mid-1880s, and was fielded United States Army-wide beginning in the early 1890s.[7] He continued to serve until retiring in 1903.[7] During and after his retirement, Chapman was the treasurer of the unit fund for Rutland's Company A, 1st Vermont Infantry Regiment, a post he held for a total of 42 years.[9]

In 1901, Fred A. Field, the U.S. Marshal for Vermont, appointed Chapman as his deputy.[2] Chapman remained in the position until 1923, serving under Field and his successors Horace W. Bailey and Arthur P. Carpenter.[2] When Field's commission was terminated in 1903 after prisoners in his custody effected an escape, Chapman was appointed acting Marshal by Vermont's federal district judge, Hoyt H. Wheeler.[10] He served for several days until Bailey was named as the permanent replacement for Field.[11]

When Bailey became marshal, he reappointed Chapman as deputy.[11] Bailey was in poor health beginning in 1907, which led to the amputation of both his feet, one in 1907 and one in 1913.[12] Chapman performed the U.S. Marshal's duties during Bailey's prolonged absences.[2]

Chapman's health began to fail in early 1923.[13] He resigned as deputy in May and was succeeded by Esther E. Anderson, who had previously served as an assistant to Fred S. Platt, the clerk of Vermont's U.S. District Court.[13]

Chapman was unhappy about his declining health and on June 28, 1923 he attempted suicide by drowning himself in his bathtub.[9] He was rescued by his nurse, but after she fell asleep on the morning of June 29, Chapman killed himself by going to the basement of his home, using a razor to slash arteries in his legs, and cutting his throat.[1][9] He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Rutland.[14]

In 1885, Chapman married Florence E. Clark (1863-1905).[15][16] They were the parents of two children, son Charles H. Chapman (1888-1925) and daughter Mildred C. Chapman (1891-1965).[16]