The Minor Family of Somerset

Frank Chapman received a B.S. degree from Bethany College in 189
4. In 1898,after receiving the LL.B degree from West Virgini
a University, he was Grantedan A.M. degree by Bethany College
. He then engaged in legal practice in Wellsburg and soon enjoy
ed a large practice, especially as attorney for severallarge co
rporations including the Pittsburgh and West Virginia Railroad a
ndthe follansbee Steel Corporation. He was president or vice-p
resident of a large number of prominent businesses and financia
l companies.
Frank was a member of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ)
, the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, and several prominent lodges a
nd other fraternal groups. He was delegateto several Democrati
c state conventions.
As a pioneer in the use of the automobile, Frank was one of th
e early advocates of good roads in West Virginia.In 1903 he pu
rchased the third car licensed in the state, and he and his moth
er drove it through many eastern states. In 1908, in a period o
f low water, he forded the Ohio River in a car a little North o
f Wellsburg.
In the last years of his life, Frank developed the hilltop subur
b of Wellsburg known as Chapman Heights. He died in 1932 and wa
s buried in Brooke Cemetery. As corporation layer, industrialis
t, financier, and civic leader, he was one of the great builder
s of the tri-state area.
Sources:
1: Title: Kathy Robinson
Note: Chapman family information received via e-mail, regular ma
il, and computer files beginning in 1999.