Orlow W. Chapman

Orlow W. Chapman
5th United States Solicitor General
In office 1889–1890
Appointed by	Benjamin Harrison
Preceded by	George A. Jenks
Succeeded by	William Howard Taft
Personal details
Born	1832^1 Ellington, Connecticut
Died	January 19, 1890 Washington, D.C.
Resting place	Binghamton, New York
Nationality	United States
Alma mater	Union College
Website	www.usdoj.gov
^1 An exact date of birth is not know.

Orlow W. Chapman (1832 – 19 January, 1890) was born in 1832, in Ellington, Connecticut,^[1] though he made his life’s work and home in New York City. While in Ellington, Chapman received his primary education in a local academy. He then proceeded to graduate from Union College of Schenectady, New York, in 1854.^[1] After earning his undergraduate degree, he spent two years as Professor of Languages in the Fergusonville Academy in Delaware County.^[1] Chapman then studied law under Robert Parker of Binghamton, New York. In 1856, he was admitted to the bar.

He was District Attorney of Broome County from 1862 to 1867. He was a member of the New York State Senate (24th D.) from 1868 to 1871, sitting in the 91st, 92nd, 93rd and 94th New York State Legislatures. Subsequently, he was appointed Superintendent of New York State Insurance Department, where he served until 1876.^[1] During Chapman’s time as superintendent he also served as president of the National Insurance Commissioners’ Association and he focused on eliminating corrupt states’ fostering of large and fraudulent companies. During his term Chapman also initiated the creation of an Executive Committee formed from and elected by Insurance Superintendents from each state.

On May 29, 1889, President Harrison appointed Chapman Solicitor General of the United States.^[1] His service was cut short when Chapman died of pneumonia on January 19, 1890, while working in Washington, D.C. Orlow W. Chapman was buried near his home in Binghamton, New York.^[1]

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Office of the Solicitor General.

Footnotes

1. "Orlow W. Chapman" (PDF). Obituary. The New York Times. 1890-01-20. Retrieved 2008-07-29.