richard dick chapman
1808-bef. 1900
Life Story
A Patriarch of Freedom and Faith
Early Life in Bondage
Richard “Dick” Chapman was born enslaved around 1808 in South Carolina, before Mississippi became a state. No records confirm the identity of his parents. He was brought to Newton County, Mississippi, by enslavers Abel Edwards Chapman and Edward Edwards Chapman. Evidence suggests that Edward was more likely his direct enslaver, based on the 1840 census and the 1850 and 1860 Federal Slave Schedules, which list a male slave of Richard’s approximate age.
In 1841, Edward, residing in Jasper County, purchased 119.94 acres of land in Township 5 North, Range 12 East, Section 31. This parcel later became the same section where Richard and his family lived and were recorded in the 1870 Federal Census—marking their first official appearance as freed individuals.
Family Life and Enslaved Kinship
In 1840, Richard, then about 32, was one of several enslaved individuals under Edward Chapman’s ownership. Records list a woman aged 24–35, likely his enslaved wife, and several children—possibly their offspring. These included four children under ten (three girls and one boy) and three between ten and twenty-three (two girls, one boy).
One known child, Francis Chapman (1851–1927), later identified Richard as her father on her death certificate.
By 1870, Richard was married to Lucy Thompson, who bore five children. Census data and later records suggest Lucy was his second wife, as she reported only five births—matching the number of children in the household in 1870.
Their children were:
- Hannah Chapman (1848–1920)
- Judah Chapman (1856–?)
- Daniel Chapman (1858–1931)
- Mary Chapman (1859–1936)
- Link Chapman (1861–?)
Lucy’s Family Origins
There has been speculation that Lucy’s surname was McLean, but no documentation links her to that name. Instead, evidence suggests she was a Thompson. The 1870 census lists their daughter Mary living with Luke and Lena Thompson (both born ca. 1802), whom Mary identified as her grandparents. This aligns with the local practice of grandchildren living with and assisting aging relatives.
Mary was listed on the 1870 census as Mary Thompson, the same surname as her grandparents. After her grandparents passed away, Mary took back the surname of her parents, Chapman, and upon her marriage, became Mary Simmons, thereby confirming her connection to Richard and Lucy.
Later Years and Legacy
By 1880, Richard and Lucy were elderly and lived with assistance from their family. Their daughter Judah sent her son Dan Curry to live with and care for them. Richard died sometime after the 1880 census, likely in the Altare community. While no headstone has been located, oral history and community memory suggest he is buried on or near the property that became Altare M.B. Church graveyard.
Richard “Dick” Chapman is recognized as one of the charter members of Altare Missionary Baptist Church, helping to lay the foundation for one of Newton County’s most enduring African American congregations. His life—spanning from slavery through emancipation—embodies the resilience, faith, and generational strength that became the hallmark of the Chapman family.
Sidebar: Legacy of a Patriarch
Richard “Dick” Chapman’s descendants form one of the oldest and most extensive family lineages in the Altare and surrounding communities. His children and grandchildren became landowners, farmers, and church founders, significantly shaping the civic and spiritual life of Newton County. The descendants of his son, Daniel Chapman, were instrumental in founding Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Newton. His daughter, Mary Simmons, along with her descendants, played a vital role in establishing and becoming members of Union Chapel United Methodist Church in the community of Lawrence. His legacy embodies the profound transformation from bondage to belonging and the enduring persistence of faith across generations.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1840 U.S. Federal Census
- 1850 Federal Slave Schedule
- 1860 Federal Slave Schedule
- 1870 Federal Census
- 1880 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Mary Thompson Simmons Obituary, Wed, Nov 06, 1963 ·Page 11
- Mississippi State Death Certificate of Francis Gibson
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