>From the book "History of Washington and Kent Counties, Rhode Island" by J.R. Cole, published 1889, New York, W.W. Preston & Company. Beginning on page 331. [xxx] respresents either notes or the page number. SUMNER CHAPMAN, was born in Westerly, his life-long residence being also the scene of his birth. He began in early youth to assist in the cultivation of the farm, not, however, neglecting to avail himself of the advantages offered for obtaining a thorough common English education. This enabled him to transact business with success, and aided greatly in the skillful management of the homestead farm, of which he assumed control in 1836. He continued a lessee of the property until 1852, when, by the death of his father, it became his by inheritance. Mr. Chapman was, on the 19th of November, 1837, married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Brightman, of Westerly. Their children are: Sumner F., Thomas B., Amos P., Martha A. (Mrs. Courtland Chapman), Otis P., Harris P., James P., Everett J., Edgar W. and Edward E. Sumner F. married Sarah Sisson, of Westerly. Thomas B. married Bella Brewer, of Hartford. Amos P. was first married to Achsah Mayne, of North Stonington, [332] Conn., and a second time to Sarah Johnson Brewster, of Westerly. The wife of Harris P. was Susan Carpenter, of Westerly, James P. married Mary A. Gavitt, of Westerly, and Edgar W. is married to Blanche Brockway, of Hadlyme, Conn. Mr. Sumner Chapman has been since the casting of his first vote a democrat, but not a candidate for office, the excitement and responsibility attending public life being little to his taste. He was, however, in the days of the militia somewhat prominent as an officer. His support is given to the Protestant Episcopal Church. The death of Mrs. Chapman occurred November 23d, 1886.