George Roberts in Geneology of Joseph Peck (1955) traces Isaac Chapman of
Culpeper VA back to Thomas Chapman of 1610 Colonial Virginia, and lays out
the following lineage:
Thomas Chapman I (b. 1590) came to Jordon�s Journey VA on the Tryall in
1610, m. Ann ? in 1618, has 2 children: Thomas II (b. 1619) and Ann (b.
1622), both in Jordon�s Journey.
Thomas II settles Elizabeth River VA (probably Norfolk), marries? Has a son
Thomas III b. ca. 1642.
Thomas III settles in Charles Co. MD in 1662? And supposedly m. Elizabeth
Craxon in 1689. Has 2 children Thomas IV (b. 3-26-1690) and Mary (b.
8-19-1693). Thomas III would have 48 years old, and Elizabeth (b. 1644)
would have been 46, when Thomas IV was born; 51 and 49 respectively for
Mary.
Thomas IV ultimately settles in Orange Co, probably what became Culpeper
Co., VA
I know, 46 year old women in Colonial America, such as Elizabeth Craxon
Chapman in 1690, did have kids - but it was quite unusual. In August 1705
there is a Thomas Chapman married to Margaret Chapman in Stafford Co, VA,
across and a bit up the Potomac River, whose property Thomas is giving to
her son by a previous husband William Perkins. Roberts assumes it�s the
same Thomas as was previously married to Elizabeth Craxon. Within four
months, we have Thomas Chapmans in Charles Co. MD (June 15, 1695) and in
Stafford Co. VA (September 30, 1695). There�s evidence of another Thomas
Chapman in Roberts� work in Kent Co. MD (further up the Chesapeake Bay) in
1659, whose father was Richard Chapman - obviously not the same direct
lineage as Thomas III. With multiple Thomases around the Chesapeake Bay in
the 1600s and the age of Thomas III, I believe the Thomas (Tryall) Chapman I
and Thomas Chapman IV connection is questionable.
According to Roberts, the Thomas Chapman born March 26, 1690 in Charles Co.
MD is the same Thomas Chapman whose death inventory we find in Culpeper VA
dated Nov. 18, 1782? Later, says Roberts, "it may have been his son, b. ca.
1810-12." What???
Culbertson�s Hunter Geneology lists Thomas� children as Nathaniel, George,
John, and an unidentified daughter; no ISAAC. For some reason, says
Roberts, "to this we would add Isaac." And "We are certain that Isaac was
a
son of Thomas IV." Why???
Johnson�s History of Middle New River Settlements mentions an Isaac Chapman
born in Charles County, MD. about 1716, although there is apparently no
record of this birth in county records. For reasons that are unclear,
Roberts therefore assumes Isaac�s FATHER must have been born in Charles Co.
MD.
Then, Roberts goes on to state that there is no recorded evidence that the
other members (i.e., Nathaniel and George) were brothers of Isaac and John,
therefore, they shall not be considered further. . ." SO - we have no Isaac
born in Charles Co., but he must be the son of Thomas born in Charles Co. in
1690, who must be the same Thomas who died in Culpeper in 1782. And
although there is apparently evidence that Thomas had children George and
Nathaniel, there is no evidence of Isaac being brother of George and
Nathaniel - thus, we dismiss them as Thomas� sons. Very sloppy reasoning!
It leads me to suspect that Roberts felt compelled to graft Isaac Chapman�s
family tree onto Thomas�, thus stretching the lineage back to 1610.
Here�s the strongest evidence against the Thomas - Isaac Chapman connection.
A letter by Isaac�s grandson Henley Chapman reads "My grandfather was named
Isaac Chapman; he emigrated to Virginia from England, the year unknown; he
settled in Virginia, perhaps in Culpeper County."
Rees Chapman