John Lee Chapman facts for kids

John Lee Chapman (1811 – November 18, 1880) was a key figure in Baltimore, Maryland. He served as the city's Mayor from 1862 to 1867. Besides his political role, he also ran a glass factory called Maryland Glass Works. Later, he became the president of the Western Maryland Railway.

Early Life and Business

John Lee Chapman was born in 1811. He was born in either Fell's Point, Baltimore or Harford County, Maryland. His family had roots in Scotland. He moved to Baltimore when he was very young.

Chapman started his career working in a drug store in Baltimore. Later, he owned his own drug store. He then joined his brother Jonathan in the glass business. He took over his uncle George Chapman's glass company. Around 1847 or 1848, he built his own factory, Maryland Glass Works, in Fell's Point. He made glassware there until 1862.

Becoming Mayor of Baltimore

Before the American Civil War, Chapman was part of the Whig Party. After the war, he joined the Union Party.

From 1860 to 1861, he was a member of the Baltimore City Council. The mayor at that time, George William Brown, was arrested. John C. Blackburn became mayor for a short time. Chapman was elected to the City Council again in October 1861. Then, Charles J. Baker became mayor.

On January 6, 1862, Chapman was elected as the president of the City Council. This role made him the acting mayor of Baltimore. He finished Mayor Brown's term. After that, he was elected mayor for three more terms. He served from November 12, 1862, until November 4, 1867. His last term was shorter because of a new state constitution adopted in 1867.

After Being Mayor

After his time as mayor, Chapman became the president of the Western Maryland Railway. He held this position for two years, starting in November 1866.

In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed Chapman as the naval officer for the Port of Baltimore. He worked in this role until 1873. Later, he was appointed as the superintendent of public stores at the Port of Baltimore. He stayed in that job until it was ended in 1877.

Family and Later Life

Around 1835, John Lee Chapman married his cousin, Elizabeth Chapman. They had six children together. After Elizabeth passed away, he married Alice Thompson in July 1871. They had one son, John Lee Jr. Some of his other children included Margaret, Florence N., and George.

In the 1860s, Chapman bought some land in Blue Ridge Summit, Pennsylvania.

John Lee Chapman passed away on November 18, 1880. He was buried at Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore.

What's His Legacy?

A lake in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore was first named Lake Chapman, honoring him. However, the name was later changed to Druid Lake. This happened during the time of the next mayor, Robert T. Banks, who was from the Democratic Party.