Profile
Catalog Number
2020.9.729Title
Chapman, WilliamDescription
Image of Holland MI resident William Chapman's record of service in the "Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, Vol. 35"History
William Chapman was born in 1842. On Aug. 22nd, 1862, he enlisted in the 5th Michigan Cavalry Co. L, in which he served until June 23rd, 1865. After the war, he moved to Holland, MI. He is interred in Mount Hope Cemetery in Middleville, MI.The 5th cavalry was organized on Aug. 30, 1862. It was assigned to the Michigan Cavalry Brigade, comprised of the 1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th MI Cavalries, which served together until the end of the war. The 5th notably fought confederate general J.E.B. Stuart's cavalry on June 30, 1863, losing badly but still driving him back. They met Stuart's army again July 3, and successfully kept Stuart from threatening the Union rear at Gettysburg. On the confederate retreat from Gettysburg, the 5th intercepted Lee's retreating army and captured 1500 prisoners and destroyed a wagon train. Overall, the regiment fought in far too many engagements to record here.After the war, the 5th was sent west on various expeditions against Native Americans, which many in the east felt was a great injustice after the regiment's gallant service.