J. A. Chapin
J. A. Chapin, one of the leading architects of Lima and one of the city's representative men, was born in 1853 at Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio, and is a son of Dexter Chapin.
The aged father of our subject, now almost 80 years old, resides at Lima and still takes much interest in passing events. For many years he was one of the leading contractors here, and for a protracted period was active in city politics, during which he served His mother was a Franklin, belonging to the same branch of the family which gave the world Benjamin Franklin.
Our subject was only two years of age when his parents came to Lima, where they lived some time and then removed to Wapakoneta and later to Cincinnati. While in Lima he attended the grammar department of the Lima High School He also attended school at the other points where his father's business called him. At Cincinnati he worked with Mitchell & Ramelsberg, in the furniture business and then went into the office of Michael & Renbaugh, of that city. He remained under instruction there for several years.
Before the new Court House was erected at Lima, he returned to this city and went to work at the carpenter's trade while he prepared himself to open the first architect's office ever established here. He has continued in this profession ever since and now has offices located in the Holland Building. To him has been entrusted the drawing of plans and designs for many of the most important buildings in the city of Lima, among which we may mention: Lima Paper Mills, County Infirmary, Children's Home, Holland Building and the new High School Building. In the erection of this fine structure last mentioned he was associated with F. L. Packard, the State architect, of Columbus. By experts it has been conceded to be one of the finest school buildings in the State. Many of the beautiful residences of Lima which attract favorable notice and comment from the visitor were erected from designs prepared by Mr. Chapin, who has also furnished plans for the building of a great many of the large structures of the city.
In 1893 Mr. Chapin was married to Ella Ackerman, who is a daughter of the late William Ackerman, who for years was identified with the manufacturing interest of Lima.
Mr. Chapin is a 32nd degree Mason and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter and Commandery at Lima, in which bodies he has frequently held official position. He has done much toward making this city one of beauty and modern aspect and has been called in to assist in promoting various object of public utility.