Reuben Chapman

For the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Justice, see Reuben Atwater Chapman.

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, and as the 13th Governor of Alabama from 1847 to 1849.

Reuben Chapman
13th Governor of Alabama
In office December 16, 1847 – December 17, 1849
Preceded by	Joshua L. Martin
Succeeded by	Henry W. Collier
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 6th district
In office March 4, 1843 – March 3, 1847
Preceded by	District inactive
Succeeded by	Williamson Robert Winfield Cobb
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's at-large district
In office March 4, 1841 – March 3, 1843
Preceded by	District inactive
Succeeded by	District inactive
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Alabama's 1st district
In office March 4, 1835 – March 3, 1841
Preceded by	Clement Comer Clay
Succeeded by	District inactive
Personal details
Born	(1799-07-15)July 15, 1799 Bowling Green, Virginia, U.S.
Died	May 17, 1882(1882-05-17) (aged 82) Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.
Political party	Democratic

Early life

Born on July 15, 1799, in Bowling Green, Virginia, he moved to Alabama in 1824, where he established a law practice.

Political career

He represented Alabama in the U.S. House of Representatives from March 4, 1835, to March 3, 1847, and served as the 13th Governor of the U.S. state of Alabama from 1847 to 1849.

Relationship with French ambassador

While a member of the House of Representatives, he had a very contentious relationship with the French ambassador, Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt. In 1844 the ambassador had made remarks towards him, and Virginia congressman George W. Hopkins, and Chapman challenged Louis Adolphe Aimé Fourier, comte de Bacourt to a duel. However, the French ambassador backed down. That same year the French ambassador also offended Virginia congressman Lewis Steenrod, though it is unknown precisely what words were exchanged. Chapman and Hopkins grew so hostile towards the French ambassador that in 1846, President James K. Polk eventually asked the French government to send Monsieur Fourier home and select a new ambassador to the United States.

Death

He died in Huntsville, Alabama on May 17, 1882.

Sources

• Biographic sketch at U.S. Congress website
• Alabama Department of Archives and History
• Reuben Chapman 1847-1849- Encyclopedia of Alabama
• Governor Reuben Chapman by Thomas McAdory Owen · 1921

External links

• Biographic sketch at U.S. Congress website
• Alabama Department of Archives and History
• Reuben Chapman 1847-1849- Encyclopedia of Alabama