Among the strong and reliable legal firms in Oakland is numbered that of Chapman & Trefethen, and its senior member, Melvin C. Chapman, has long been accounted one of the most progressive and able representatives of the California bar. Along with professional success he has also won prominence in politics and his interests have extended to many other fields touching closely the general advancement of the community.
He was born in Westfield, Illinois, September 5, 1850, and is a son of Charles de Grasse and Cynthia (Palmer) Chapman, both representatives of well known American families. One of his paternal ancestors, Robert Chapman, came from England in 1637 and was among the first settlers at Saybrook, Connecticut, the homestead upon which he lived being still in possession of the family. Others of Mr. Chapman's forebears served under Oliver Cromwell and several were conspicuous in the Revolutionary war, the War of 1812 and in the Civil war. Members of this family have been prominent in commercial, professional and political life, winning success as merchants, ministers and lawyers.
Melvin C. Chapman acquired his early education in the public schools of Chicago, which he attended from 1856 until 1867. He was graduated from Onarga Seminary in Illinois in 1870 and three years later came to California. He established himself in the real-estate business in San Francisco, whence he moved his residence to Oakland in 1876. Six years later he disposed of all his business interests in San Francisco and began the study of law. After he was admitted to the bar he formed a partnership with Roscoe Havens under the firm name of Chapman & Havens, an association which was dissolved after eight months, Mr. Chapman continuing alone. In June, 1910, he formed a partnership with E. E. Trefethen and they are still associated under the name of Chapman & Trefethen. In the office of this firm is transacted some of the most important legal business heard in the courts of California, for the partners control a large and representative clientage, both being strong, forceful and able practitioners. Mr. Chapman has won for himself an enviable place at the bar of the state and his success is the direct result of his ability and energy. He is president of the Oakland Bar Association and is held in high respect and honor by the members of the legal fraternity.
In Oakland, on the 21st of December, 1887, Mr. Chapman was united in marriage to Miss Lillian M. Childs, and they became the parents of one son, Melvin C., Jr. Mrs. Chapman has passed away.
Mr. Chapman gives his political allegiance to the republican party and takes an active interest in public affairs. In 1887 he served for one term as a member of the state legislature and he has been mayor of Oakland, giving to the city a constructive and progressive administration. He is president of the Tribune Publishing Company and belongs to the Athenian Club. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen, who takes a commendable interest in public affairs, and along professional lines he has met with that success which is the natural result of merit and ability.
Past and Present of Alameda County California, Vol. II
Published in Chicago by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1914
Transcribed by Linda Jackson 5/23/2008, Pages 30-33
Alameda County Biographies ~
Archive Biography Index ~
Archive Index
Copyright © 1996-2009; This Web page is sponsored by Supporters on behalf of the California portion of The USGenWeb Project by The Administrative Team of the CAGW. Although believed to be correct as presented, if you note any corrections, changes, additions, or find that any links provided on this page are not functioning properly please contact the Archive Coordinator for prompt attention to the matter.