William Chapman

Who was William Chapman?

Doctor William Chapman was born 13 May 1797 at Headlam Hall, Durham, England. He was the second son of John Chapman Esq., and his wife Mary Chapman of Alwent Hall in the County of Durham. As a young man, he went to London to train as a medical practitioner. At the age of 30 he married Sarah Lisgo of Durham and they had three sons and four daughters. At an early stage in his life he recognised the necessity for scenic reserves and recreational areas in London and he was appointed a Director of the Kew Botanical Gardens. Later he was instrumental in planting the willows along the Avon River in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.

Being resourceful, they decided to emigrate to New Zealand as there was a need for medical people in the Canterbury settlement. So, at the age of 53 he and his family embarked on the sailing ship Labuan, on which he was surgeon. This vessel carried 137 passengers bound for Port Cooper. Dr. Chapman was charged with appointing various staff from the "most intelligent of the steerage passengers". He was also supplied with 'vaccine lymph' against smallpox and a medecine against cholera'.