Chapman (Jonathan) is born in Boston.

The son of Jonathan and Margaret (Rogers) Chapman, Jonathan Chapman graduates from Harvard College, studies law under Judge Lemuel Shaw, becomes a lawyer and marries Lucinda Dwight. He serves on the Boston City Council (1835-39) and as mayor (1840-42). A brilliant speaker and accomplished writer, he later contributes to the North American Review and other magazines. Chapman dies in Boston on May 25, 1848.