CHAPMAN, THOMAS (1791-1876) was born in England. He was for some years at sea and seven years farming before he offered his services to the Church Missionary Society for work in New Zealand. Arriving in July 1830 with his wife, he soon made a place for himself in the mission as a simple-minded, hard-working Christian. In 1831 he volunteered to serve in the first mission to be established in the Thames district, and he made the first exploration of the field in company with Henry Williams (q.v.). Chapman was stationed at Thames and afterwards opened a mission at Te Koutu, on the western shore of Rotorua, which was sacked during Te Waharoa's war against the Arawa (6 Aug 1836). He then established himself on Mokoia island, but, finding it remote, established the mission at Te Ngae, where he lived for many years. Later he was appointed to Wharekahu, near Maketu, and shortly before his death (on 22 Dec 1876) he returned to Rotorua and assisted in teaching. Busby in 1836 wished Chapman to act as British resident during his absence from the country. He was ordained by Bishop Selwyn (1844) and was for some time on the staff of St Stephen's College.

Stock; Carleton; Bay of Plenty Times, 8 Jan 1877.

Reference: Volume 1, page 93

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