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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Alexander Chapman

Mr. Alexander Chapman, Old Colonist, Hokianga. Mr. Chapman, who was one of the earliest settlers in Hokianga, was an Englishman by birth. He was born in 1805 and when a boy sailed with Captain Parry (afterwards Sir Edward Parry) in search of the North-West passage. Subsequently, he served several years under Mr. William Yatman, of St. Paul's Dockyards, Deptford, where he received his education and served seven years' apprenticeship. Obtaining a shipwright's certificate. Mr. Chapman came out to Sydney about 1826 with letters of introduction to Mr. Alexander Cunningham, with whom he obtained employment. In 1831 Mr. Chapman came to New Zealand under engagement to Captain McDonnell, who had a contract for supplying spars to the navy. Afterwards he established himself in business in Hokianga as a shipwright and in 1857 took a trip Home in the ship “Signet,” laden with kauri gum and baulk timber for the English market. Combining business with pleasure. Mr. Chapman saw his relatives in various parts, and gained further knowledge of his trade. He returned to New Zealand in 1858 by the ship “Mary Ann” and continued at his trade in the Hokianga district till 1866, when he retired and resided with his only daughter, Mrs. George Martin, at Omapere, till his death, which took place at her residence in 1886.