Career
He set up a business in Hobart and became a leading merchant during the early 1850s. Chapman was an advocate against the transportation of convicts to Van Diemens Land (Tasmania). Chapman was first elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council in 1851.
When the Tasmanian House of Assembly was created in 1856 Chapman became a minister under Tasmania"s first responsible government headed by William Champ.
He was made Colonial Treasurer and upon taking the position realised that the estimated budget of the state was not £330,000 but only £250,000. To fix the deficit Chapman proposed increasing taxes and reducing the wages of public servants, a proposal which reduced his popularity.
Chapman was in opposition during the Gregson, Weston and Smith ministries. Or from 1857 after Champ"s resignation, until 1861.
Chapman became Premier after four years out of ministry, on 2 August 1861 he held office until 20 January 1863 a total of 18 months making him the second longest serving Premier after Francis Smith at the time.
While Premier he also took up his old job of Colonial treasurer from November, 1862 until January, 1863. Although his term as Premier ended he became Colonial Treasurer again in Richard Dry"s ministry from 24 November 1866 until 1869. He also held the position in Wilson"s ministry from 1869-1872.
In August, 1873 he joined Alfred Kennerley"s ministry holding the position of Colonial Secretary from 1873 until 1876.
After this Chapman served in no more ministries but was President of the Tasmanian Legislative Council on 11 July 1882 until his death. Chapman is noted as being a good public speaker and an excellent financier.
During his time in parliament. Chapman served in six electorates, in both chambers.
Tasmanian House of Assembly
Hobart Town from 15 September 1856 until 31 May 1861.
Queenborough from 11 June 1861 until 8 November 1862. Campbell Town from 8 November 1862 until May, 1864. Resigned because of bankruptcy
Hobart Town from 27 October 1866 until 3 December 1866.
Launceston from 31 December 1866 until August, 1871.
East Hobart from 1 September 1871 until August, 1873. Resigned to contest in Tasmanian Legislative Council.
Tasmanian Legislative Council
Buckingham from 28 October 1851 until August, 1856. Resigned to contest in the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
Buckingham from 8 August 1873 until 17 February 1884.
