Chapman, Robert F. (b. 1926)

Oral History Transcript (49 pages)

Born in Inman, South Carolina, Chapman served as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946.  After graduating from USC Law School in 1949, he started private practice in Spartanburg and worked there until 1971, with a short return to the Navy as a Lieutenant from 1951 to 1953.

In 1971 Chapman was nominated by President Nixon, and confirmed by the Senate, to a new seat on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.  He served a decade on that court and then was nominated by President Reagan in 1981 for elevation to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.  Chapman was confirmed and received his commission on September 19, 1981. He assumed senior status on May 31, 1991.

Chapman served as Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party from 1962-1963.