Reuben Chapman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Reuben Chapman
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| 13th Governor of Alabama | |
| In office December 16, 1847 – December 17, 1849 |
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| Preceded by | Joshua L. Martin |
| Succeeded by | Henry W. Collier |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 6th district |
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| In office March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1847 |
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| Preceded by | District inactive |
| Succeeded by | Williamson Robert Winfield Cobb |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's at-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843 |
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| Preceded by | District inactive |
| Succeeded by | District inactive |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 1st district |
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| In office March 4, 1835 – March 3, 1841 |
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| Preceded by | Clement Comer Clay |
| Succeeded by | District inactive |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 15, 1799 Bowling Green, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | May 17, 1882 (aged 82) Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Reuben Chapman (July 15, 1799 – May 17, 1882) was an American lawyer and politician. He served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1835 to 1847. He also became the 13th Governor of Alabama from 1847 to 1849.
Early Life and Career
Reuben Chapman was born on July 15, 1799, in Bowling Green, Virginia. In 1824, he moved to Alabama. There, he started his own law practice. This was the beginning of his public life.
Political Journey
Chapman represented Alabama in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served from March 4, 1835, to March 3, 1847. After his time in Congress, he became the 13th Governor of the state of Alabama. His term as governor lasted from 1847 to 1849.
Working with Other Countries
While he was a member of the House of Representatives, Reuben Chapman had a difficult relationship with the French ambassador. The ambassador's name was Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt. In 1844, the ambassador made some comments that upset Chapman and another congressman, George Washington Hopkins. Chapman even challenged the ambassador to a duel, but the ambassador decided not to go through with it.
Later, in 1846, the relationship was still very tense. President James K. Polk eventually asked the French government to replace their ambassador. This shows how serious the disagreements had become.
Later Years and Death
Reuben Chapman passed away in Huntsville, Alabama, on May 17, 1882. He was a significant figure in Alabama's history.
