Background
He was born in London, the son of Richard Chappell, and trained as a wheelwright and machinist.
He was born in London, the son of Richard Chappell, and trained as a wheelwright and machinist.
In 1778, he moved to Charlottetown. Chappell was involved in various construction projects, also making spinning wheels, coaches and sleighs. In 1802, he was named deputy postmaster, serving until 1807 and again from 1812 until his death in Charlottetown in 1825.
His daybooks (or diaries) covering the period from 1775 to 1788 and from 1797 to 1818 are an important source of information about life on the island during this period.
He was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 1774 to 1784.