Alva Burton Chapman was born on a small farm near
Gananoque, Ontario on June 27th, 1863 and went to school as far as
grade eight. As a youth and young man, he did carpenter work and
lumbering in Ontario and in Michigan. U.S.A. In Michigan, he operated
the lumbering machinery for an uncle and before long had his papers as
a master mechanic. Later, he went to work for a lumber firm at Clayton,
New York and having married at the age of twenty-six, established his
home there.
He enrolled in the medical course at Queen's University in Kingston,
Ontario, studying his high school work at night and in the summer he
did carpentry to finance his way through University.
After graduating in 1899 at the age of thirty-six, and practising for s
short time at Matick, Massachusetts, Dr. Chapman decided to go west to
British Columbia in 1900. On the way he stopped off to visit a
cousin, George Chapman, at Reston. His medical services were in such
demand that he never left the town. Mrs. Chapman joined him and they
settled in Reston where he also opened a Drug Store
In 1907 he built the present corner brick building which served as the
drugstore from 1907 to 1981. He also built the County Clerk’s Building
in 1910.
Although Dr. Chapman was then over-age, he managed to enlist during
WW1. In May 1915 Captain Chapman was at the First Canadian
Hospital at Etaples, near Boulogne and he was posted to the Third
Canadian Field Ambulance for over two years, seeing much fighting. He
was wounded at Vimy Ridge, mentioned in dispatches and awarded the
Military Cross for bravery in the field. Dr. Chapman was invited to
Buckingham Palace on April 10. 1919 for an investiture of his Majesty,
the King.
Following the war. Dr. Chapman returned to Reston to renew his medical
practice. Some years later he was made a life member of the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.
He took an active interest in the building of the Masonic Hall, the
Memorial Theatre, an addition to the United Church and the Reston
Hospital. Other organizations that received his help and support were
the School Board, the Park's Board and the Agricultural Society. Dr.
Chapman belonged to the Reston Masonic Lodge and served as Worshipful
Master in 1931.
Dr. Chapman answered calls whatever the weather, in summer and winter.
Sometimes he drove a team forty miles to answer a call and often, on
his long country drives, he carried a gun for game he might possibly
see on the way. In 1909 he bought his first car, a "Russell".
Dr. A. B. was fond of music, especially band music. In later years, he
and Dr. Hunter had a very interesting hobby; making by hand some
excellent violins. A few of these instruments may still be in the
district.
On his ninetieth birthday on June 27th, 1953, a very large gathering of
friends from far and wide was held in the Memorial Park in his honour.
This Park was very dear to his heart and one of his special interests.
Dr. Chapman retired from practice officially in 1938 but his advice was
often sought by patients and other doctors even when he was in his
nineties. He was often found in his office in the drugstore during the
1940's and 1950's when Lyall McMorran was the Pharmacist and owner.
Dr. Chapman died in his home on May 12. 1961, in his ninety-eighth year
after an illness of only two days. The funeral service was held in the
Reston United Church, following a brief Masonic service at his home.
Burial was afterwards made at Olivet, Ontario.
One who knew him well, fittingly spoke of Dr. Alva Burton Chapman as
"one of Nature's gentlemen".
The Chapmans, in the Drug Store
Adapted from Trails Along the Pipestone,
page 548
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