In the early part of the 19^th century, there were several William CHAPMANs listed in various records.

We find in the deed records that a William H CHAPMAN was paid a fee in Cabell Co. Listed in a land auction & claim deed bk. 2 pg. 328 12 Feb 1816.  William was paid a fee of $20.00 in the case of BLAKE & REED.   He also served on a jury abt. March 1815.  I can’t with certainty pin this fellow down. 

Tax lists – 1806 & 1809 for Kanawha Co., and 1810 & 1815 for Cabell Co have no William Chapman on them.

There was a William that later had land taken for taxes and it is possible that he was b. 1790 – 1800 using census records.  With regard to the census records and this William Chapman, it seems that the fates are against our solving his mystery because:

1. the 1790 census for all WV counties was lost.
2. the 1800 census for all WV counties was lost. 
3. the 1810 census for Cabell Co. was lost. No William in Kanawha Co.
4. the 1820 census for Cabell Co. lists a William but has no information about him.
5. the 1830 Census lists William as being 30 to 40, no wife or children.  I think that it is unlikely that this is the William that we saw the earlier activity in 1816.        
6. 1840 only lists one William and I think that it is William D.
7. 1850 has a William that was 60 years old and single.  It also lists William D & L.

On 30 Sep 1850, William CHAPMAN had 300 acres sold for taxes.  In Cabell Co.  Deeds bk. 11 pg. 35, it has the transaction haven taken place in 1853.

Chapmans indebted to the estate of John Wilson in 1823 were – John L, Cadwallader, William, John, and James.  John Wilson lived in the area of the city of Milton.

Hey, I think that I will let you guys figure this one out and report back to me.  OK?