Biography of Frank H. Chapman

Frank H. Chapman, a leading druggist of Franklin Falls, was born in Lowell, Mass., May 29, 1848, son of Eben L. Chapman, of New Market, N.H. The father, who was born in 1807, removed to Lawrence, Mass., and was there a successful grocer for forty-one years, retiring from active business in 1860. He married for his first wife a Towle, of New Market, who died leaving no children. For his second wife he married Mrs. Martha J. Hilton Hanscomb, and their children were: Frank H., the subject of this sketch; and Charles, who died at the age of six years.

Frank H. Chapman received his education in the common and high schools of Lawrence, Mass. In 1864 he entered the employ of H. M. Whitney, a druggist, to learn the business, remaining there for five years. Afterward, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was employed in the store of Emil Heydenreich & Co. for three years. In 1875 he came to Franklin Falls, and purchased the drug store of E. H. Sturtevant, whom he succeeded in the business, continuing alone until 1893, when he sold one-half interest to Charles Eddy. The store is now carried on under the style of F. H. Chapman & Co. They have a full line of drugs, medicines, etc., and have succeeded in building up a large and successful business. Mr. Chapman now leaves the entire charge of the store to his partner, Mr. Eddy. He is also connected with the well-known wholesale druggists, Rust & Richardson, of Hanover Street, Boston, Mass. At one time he was the President of the New Hampshire Pharmaceutical Association.

In August, 1872, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage with Ella F. James, of Lawrence, Mass., daughter of T. W. James, a machinist residing in that city. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are the parents of five children, namely: Lucy B., born in June, 1873, who is now the wife of John Proctor, of Franklin Falls; Eben L., born in August, 1876, now attending the Institute of Technology in Boston, Mass.; Frank W., born in August, 1877, a student at Dartmouth College; Charles E., born in June, 1878, who attends Phillips Academy at Andover, Mass.; and John H., born in March, 1883, now at home with his parents. Mr. Chapman was the legislative Representative of his district in 1893. He has also been Town Clerk for several years. In politics he is a stanch Republican. In Masonry he has taken the thirty-second degree, having membership in the Blue Lodge and in the F. A. Raymond Consistory of Nashua, N.H. He also belongs to the Odd Fellows, Red Men, Knights of Honor, and Knights of Pythias. Mr. Chapman is one of Franklin Falls’ most highly esteemed citizens, and has been eminently successful throughout his life. His home is one of the finest residences in Franklin Falls, and he has surrounded his family with many of the luxuries of life.