Bio: Chichester Chaplin Sr, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by Mike Miller
Source:  Louisiana:  Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events,
Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp.
98-99.  Edited by Alc e Fortier, Lit.D.  Published in 1914, by Century
Historical Association.



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CHICHESTER CHAPLIN, SR.

Chaplin, Chichester, Sr., of Natchitoches, parish of Natchitoches, is the
nestor of the bar in his district, having been admitted to practice law in
1855.  He was district attorney (1855-1865), and district judge in 1875,
remaining in office several years, until his return to the profession of
lawyer, in partnership with his son, Chichester Chaplin, Jr., to the
present time. 

His father, also named Chichester, was the son of Chichester Chaplin, a native
of Ireland, was born Oct. 1, 1800, and came to New Orleans, La., in 1818.  He
studied law in the office of Alfred Hennen, one of the most distinguished
jurists of the state, and after his admittance to the bar, went to Texas,
where he married a Miss Edwards.  Soon after the death of his wife, Mr.
Chaplin returned to Louisiana, and located in Natchitoches.  A second marriage
took place with Miss Emily Palmer, daughter of Col. Palmer. 

Removing from Natchitoches to Russellville, La., Mr. Chaplin was elected
parish judge, but he did not continue his residence in Russellville, and
decided to go back to Texas.  In 1836 he again came to Louisiana, and the
following year again changed his domicile to Texas, and was elected probate
judge.  Again, there occurred a return to Natchitoches parish, and in 1853 he
was elected district judge.  He died in 1874 in the city of Natchitoches.  

Chichester Chaplin, the subject of this sketch, was born March 24, 1831, at
Minden, La., the eldest of 6 children.  He was educated in the schools of the
state, and studied law in New Orleans from 1854 to 1855.  After his being
admitted to practice he located in Natchitoches parish, whose citizens elected
him attorney for the 9th judicial district; re-elected in 1859, serving until
1865, then resuming the practice of law.  In 1875 he was appointed judge of
the 11th district (the former 9th district), and after a few years reopened
his practice of law. Judge Chaplin married, in 1860, Louisa Gallion, a native
of Natchitoches, who bore him 2 sons, Chichester, Jr., and Percy Taylor
Chaplin.  Mrs. Chaplin died in 1874.  Mr. Chaplin wedded a second time, in
1880, Miss Maria L. La Fitte, of Louisiana. 

He is a stalwart Democrat, always taking an active part in public affairs.  In
the Masonic order the judge is a member of the Blue lodge.  Chichester Chapin,
Jr., was born Sept. 14, 1870, the son of Chichester Chaplin, Sr., and Louisa
Gallion Chaplin.  He was educated in the public and private schools of his
native place and the Louisiana State university and Thatcher Military
institute at Shreveport.  On his return from school he engaged for some time
in farming, until the declaration of war with Spain.  Enlisting as a private
soldier, Mr. Chaplin served until the close of hostilities, and then entered a
law office, and in 1901 was admitted to the bar.  The citizens of Natchitoches
sent him to the state legislature in 1904, and at the conclusion of his
term of 4 years was elected city attorney, and is now special attorney to
assist the tax collector appointed by Gov. Hall.