[Brøderbund WFT Vol. 22, Ed. 1, Tree #3242, Date of Import: Dec 1, 1998]
Samuel Chapin: Sources: The CHapin Book, Gilbert Warren Chapin; Pioneers of Massachusetts, Charles H. Pope; Springfield Families, Thomas B. Warren, English Origins of New England Familes, Gary Boyd Roberts, History of Springfield:
Arrived in Roxbury, Massachusetts in 1635. He had 24 acres and became a freeman in 1641. Also in 1641 he bought the house and lot of James Howe. Samuel was acquainted with William Pynchon and joined him at Springfield in the winter of 1642/3. Deacon Samuel was made Selectman by William Pynchon 1644-1652 and in 1661 and 1664. He was also an auditor. Acting preacher for several years when the church lacked a pastor. In 1652 he was one of 3 commissioned magistrates for the administration of justice "allowing them the power of a county court". Held office until 1664 duties included laying out plantations that became Northampton and Hadley. Springfield was attacked and burned by Indians October 1675. Samuel died a month later. Samuel's father, John, may have been a Hugenot and fled to Holland. Samuel probably married Cicely, a French maiden, in France, then went to Dartmouth.