Benjamin E. Chapman
Ben Chapman graduated from Salem High School on Broad Street in 1924. Astute and popular, he was president of the Senior Class and a member of the Literary Club where he won many honors for his oratory and debating skills. He was also a member of the 4H Club, receiving “Big Chief” honors at Blacksburg.
Entering Roanoke College, he earned a B.S. degree in 1928, while participating in a number of campus activities that included the Ciceronian Literary Society, Historian of the Senior Class, President of Tau Kappa Alpha, member of the Intercollegiate Debating Team, and a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Attending the Richmond College of Law (now the University of Richmond), he earned a law degree and for forty-five years conducted a private law practice in his hometown of Salem.
Ben was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1936 and won reelection for a fourth term only to give up his seat during the latter to volunteer for the navy in World War II. He was commissioned a Lieutenant (jg) and initially stationed at the Atlanta Naval Air Station in Charge of security. Later transferred to the Pacific Theater of Operations, Ben continued to carry out a variety of assignments related to security. At the conclusion of the war he was discharged with the rank of Lt. Commander.
Returning to his law practice, Ben was appointed to the State Milk Board and served as a member of that body for many years. Ben also served as attorney for the Roanoke Country Schools; and when the Roanoke County Public Health Association was organized in 1957, he was appointed secretary.
Ben took his community and civic responsibilities seriously. He was head of the Explorer Scouts for a number of years, a director of First Virginia Bank, president of the Salem Kiwanis Club, and an active member of both Salem Post 10 of the American Legion and the VFW. He loved his Masonic work and was a member of Taylor Lodge #23 AF&AM., D.C. Shanks Royal Arch Chapter #31, a Shriner, a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Commandry. Ben served as Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons in Virginia and was first Worthy Patron of Salem Chapter #161 Order of Easter Star. A member of the First United Methodist Church in Salem, he taught the Men’s’ Bible Class for a number of years and served on both the Board of Stewards and the Board of Trustees.
Over the years, Ben received much praise and many honors for his contribution to the practice of law and service to the nation, state, and community. However, he was perhaps most proud of having received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Richmond.
Early in his career, Ben married Mary Ellen Cook. They had one son, Benjamin E. Chapman, Jr., who gave them every reason to be proud of him.
In recognition of his outstanding career achievements, Benjamin Edgar Chapman was among those inducted in 1997 into the Salem Alumni Hall of Fame established by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association.
