Rev. Robert Chapman — Died at his home in Mt. Sterling, Ill., in the early morning hours of Saturday, November 7, 1891, after a brief illness of congestion of the brain and heart affliction, with which he was stricken down Thursday morning, not regaining consciousness up to the time of his death. Robert Chapman was born in the north part of Ireland March 17, 1818; was converted to Christianity at the age of 18 and began preaching at 20. For ten years he was class leader, his class meetings being held in the morning before breakfast. He came to America in 1849 and in 1852 was married to Miss Lillie Burnside of Pittsburg, Pa., with whom he came to Illinois in 1853. He joined the Illinois M.E. conference in 1856 and his appointments were as follows: Grand River, 1 year; Barry, 2 years; Payson, 2 years; Clayton, 2 years; Perry, 2 years; Mt. Sterling, 1 year; supernumerary, 1 year; Clayton and Camp Point, 1 year; Pulaski, 2 years; LaPrairie, 1 year; supernumerary, 1 year; Mt. Sterling, 2 years. Since 1875 he has been superannuated. He was a man of energy, a strong preacher and successful toiler in the Master’s vineyard. On charges where they were building he commonly gave the society a part of his salary -sometimes a large part- to aid them. His first wife died October 18851. He was married again, to Mrs. Elizabeth Newingham, November 7, 1886. His age at death was 73 years. He leaves a widow, a step-daughter and one brother. Rev. Chapman was so well known in this community, where he has resided for many years, and was so universally esteemed that anything we might say of him would be a feeble effort at expressing the sentiment and sympathy of the people among whom he labored so long and faithfully. Mr. Chapman was also a business man and accumulated considerable property during his life. He was in the harness and saddlery business for many years, but was forced to retire from activity in the business world several years ago on account of failing health, and of late years has led a quiet, retired life. In a recent conversation with Rev. L. A. Powell he said: “I have seen many souls converted and brought into the Kingdom, yet I ought to have done more for the Master.”
The funeral occurred from the M.E. church at 11 o’clock Sunday morning and was largely attended. Rev. W. M. Reed of Clayton, who had known the deceased since his first year in the conference, appropriately delivered the discourse. His remarks touching his personal association with the deceased were given with much feeling, bringing tears to his eyes and arousing the tender sympathies of all present. Rev. G. A. Little and Rev. L. A. Powell assisted in the services, the former reading a Psalm and the latter reading the biographical sketch above. Floral offerings covered the coffin, one pretty design, a wreath, being presented by the Epworth League, and a sickle by a friend. After the services the burial took place at the city cemetery, whither the remains were followed to their place of rest by a procession of sorrowing brethren, friends and acquaintances.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.”