Biographical Notes |
Note: The 1851 Census of Histon, Cambs. shows that Charles, 18 and unmarried, was living at 56 Church End with his parents and that he was a labourer born in Histon. The newspaper notice of ships arrival mentions a son and a daughter of Francis Chapman as well as the David Chapman family.
Charles was admitted to the Adelaide Lunatic Asylum on 8 January 1875, when he was "41 years old and single." In the medical record it states that Charles's first attack was unknown and that he was not dangerous; however it does not give the diagnosis of his condition. After eleven months at the Lunatic Asylum, Charles was transferred to the Parkside (now Glenside) hospital on 1 December 1875. He remained there until his death on 29 January 1883. The entry in the Male Case Book shows Charles Chapman, male, aged 41 years, single, laborer, Wesleyan of Mount Barker. First attack unknown. Age on first attack unknown. never under treatment [previously]. Not dangerous to others. Next of kin, father, Francix Chapman." Unfortunately, no diagnosis was given! A note in the Parkside Lunatic Asylum Male Casebook 1853-1898 contained no further information other than on January 29, 1883, Charles Chapman "died this day from exhaustion from paralysis and diarrhoea." [The word "attack" suggests that his condition could have been schizophrenia or even epilepsy, which in those years may have been thought a mental illness.]
Charles would have been the person referred to in his mother's assault case where it was reported that..."it is known that, even in a younger generation there is a history of insanity in the family of the poor old woman who was assaulted...." Mt Barker Courier, Friday, 22 September 1882, p2, col 5.
Charles was buried at West Terrace Cemetery in Ordinary Ground (unmarked) for 13/- . West Terrace Cemetery Records
On his death certificate it states that Charles was a carpenter and labourer.
Charles was buried in West Terrace Cemetery, Road 5 Path 17 38 W Reg 20290.
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