From book "Arkansas Gazette" The Early Years 1819-1866 by
Maragaret Ross - Arkansas Gazette Foundation.
Page 199 - Ge. Richard C. Byrd wanted to be governor, and realizing that the odds were
against his getting the support of the entire party, he laid the foundation for an
independent campaign. During the summer a newspaper called the Independent Democrat had
been started at Little Rock by one W. D. Chapamn, advocating Byrd's prospective
candidacy and believed to be financed by him. It was printed as job work in a Whig
printing office, possible the Gazette. Chapman was a stranger in town, but he soon was
spirited away be someone using blackmail tactics, and Byrd's friends suspected the
Dynasty. His departure had ended the Independent Democrat's short career. Footnotes
stated this info from June 12, 1844; Democrat, Oct. 16 1846.
No more about this Mr. Chapman. Loretta Moon Forrester