My Genealogy Hound

JOHN W. CHAPPELL, merchant, Cadiz, was born March 19, 1824, in Christian County, Ky.; he is a son of Dickie and Susan (McCarty) Chappell, who were natives of Halifax County, Va.; they came to Christian County at an early day; he first engaged in teaching school, and later followed agricultural pursuits. They lived on one farm forty-three years. October 1, 1853, they removed to Washington County, Texas. There his mother died August 10, 1855. His father died in July, 1870. The subject of this sketch was reared on his father’s farm, where he remained till January 1, 1844. He then came to Cadiz and was clerk for Hiram Thompson in the dry goods business. November, 1848, he opened a general store; with the exception of being interrupted three years during the war, has continued this business since, and with the exception of Mr. Street is now the oldest merchant in Trigg County. He first opened a store in the old Baker Hotel, with a stock of about $4,000, and since this time has done a business of upwards of $35,000 a year; he continued business at the Baker Hotel eighteen years; he then removed to Mrs. Terry’s storehouse, where he remained five years. In 1878 he removed to his present store, situated on the west side of the court house. Mr. Chappell was Postmaster from 1858 to 1861; he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and Chosen Friends. He was married May 21, 1845, to Sarah, daughter of the late Dr. Thomas B. Jefferson. She was born in Sumner County, Tenn. This union has been blessed with seven children, three sons and four daughters. His son, John J., is a partner in this business.