James A. Chapman
James A. Chapman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Ellis County, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | September 22, 1966 (aged 85) |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, oilman, rancher |
| Known for | Oil industry development in Oklahoma; philanthropy |
James A. Chapman (April 3, 1881 – September 22, 1966) was a prominent entrepreneur with strong ties to Tulsa, Oklahoma. He held the unique roles of nephew, son-in-law, and business associate to Robert M. McFarlin.
Business career
Originally from Ellis County, Texas, Chapman relocated to Holdenville, Oklahoma in 1901. Together with his uncle and father-in-law Robert M. McFarlin, he helped establish the Holdenville Oil and Gas Company, followed by the creation of McMan Oil Company and subsequently McMan Oil and Gas Company. These enterprises played a significant role in developing the Glenn Pool and Cushing oil fields during the early 1900s in Oklahoma. In 1916, McMan Oil Company was acquired by Magnolia Petroleum Company for $39 million, and later in 1930, McMan Oil and Gas Company was sold to Dixie Oil, a subsidiary of Standard Oil (Indiana), for $20 million.
Family
In 1908, Chapman wed Leta McFarlin (1889–1974), and the couple moved to Tulsa by 1912. Their son, H. Allen Chapman (1919–1979), was born in Colorado.
Philanthropy
The Chapman family dedicated their wealth to founding charitable trusts that support organizations across Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas. These trusts distribute funds solely to designated recipients such as the University of Tulsa, Trinity University in San Antonio, John Brown University located in Siloam Springs, and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. According to recent IRS Form 990 reports, these philanthropic trusts possess assets valued at over one billion dollars.
At the time of his passing, James Chapman's estate was appraised at $120 million.
Beyond his business ventures, Chapman had a deep enthusiasm for ranching. He managed the Chapman-Barnard Ranch situated in Osage County, Oklahoma for many years and regarded this pursuit as his foremost passion.
In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in 1968.