Rosa Bell Chapman, Class of 1881

Submitted by G. C. Meeker, 1972 <gcm@garymeeker.com> on 23/Nov/2012
108.83.87.18

Message:

      Miss Rosa Bell Chapman, NFA Class of 1881..........Many NFA alumni may recall the “The Newburgh Free Academy Alma Mater” written by a mysterious Miss R. Bell Chapman, class of 1881. The obituary of this remarkable lady was published in the July 23, 1959 issue of the Newburgh-Beacon News. Her song follows the obituary.“Miss Rosa Bell Chapman, 95, who served as a Newburgh teacher for more than a half century, died at 7:15 P.M. Wednesday (July 22, 1959) at the Haven Nursing Home, 138 Chambers St., Newburgh. Her teaching years extended from 1883-1935. Miss Chapman followed the example of her parents, William Lord Chapman and Rebecca Bell Chapman, both of whom taught at the old Newburgh Free Academy a century ago. Miss Chapman’s great-grandfather was a captain with the Connecticut troops in the American Revolution. He fought earlier in the French Colonial wars as did his father. Her maternal grandmother, Sophia Bull Bell, was a descendant of Orange County pioneers, William Bull and Sarah Wells. The beloved teacher prepared for her career at Newburgh Free Academy, Columbia and Chicago Universities, studied at other colleges and attended New York University and the Conservatory of Music in New York City. The holder of a life teacher’s certificate from the University of the State of New York, she taught continuously in Newburgh schools from 1883, beginning with the first grade, and retiring as the dean of Newburgh Free Academy in 1935 after 52 years of service. She was summer examiner in the New York State Education Department from 1911-29, and a member of the Newburgh Board of Education from 1936-40. Born in Newburgh on May 12, 1864, affectionately known as “Our Bell” the dean of teachers in the city spread her interest and influence over a variety of organizations. She had served as chaplain of Quassaick Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; corresponding secretary of the Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands; secretary and president of Osson Club, member of the board of managers of the Young Women’s Christian Assn. and president of the Women’s Assn. of Calvary Presbyterian Church. She brought the experience and enjoyment of travel at home and abroad into her classrooms while guiding some 15,000 youngsters through the adventures of education. The faculties of Grand School, Clinton St. School, the old NFA on Montgomery Street and the present NFA were enriched by her keen perception. Although a teacher by profession, Miss Chapman never stopped learning. She suffered a broken arm in January of 1958, was confined to St. Luke’s Hospital and later transferred to the Haven, where she leaned to eat with her left hand—quite an accomplishment at 94! A city-wide recognition dinner was given in her honor at the Palatine Hotel on June 4, 1936, after her retirement. Attended by 250 prominent Newburghers, the affair was highlighted by a telegram of congratulations from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Newburgh’s “first lady of education” had attended a World Federation of Education Assn. in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a delegate for that group to conferences throughout the United States. The months have slipped quietly by while Miss Chapman has been at the Haven. Many former coworkers, student and associates have visited her there. They have also anonymously aided in conducting her financial affairs and seeing that her needs were met. Miss Chapman loved her city and its people and was able to include Newburgh’s 250th Anniversary in her life-span. Miss Chapman’s activities also included the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Goudy Wildlife Club, Crescendo Club, St. Luke’s Hospital Guide and Delta kappa Gamma. She was Newburgh’s senior citizen in 1956. She had resided at 123 Chambers St. before the early 1958 injury. Several cousins survive: Mrs. Linda H. Norris of Stewart, Fla.; Carl Everitt Rupert of Arlington, VA.; Joseph and Orson Robson of Hall, N.Y.; May Redman of Hall; Miss Edith Robson of Buffalo; Mrs. Helen Oliver of Rochester; Howard and Philip Rupert of Rochester; Donald Rupert of Niagara Falls; Lt. Col. William P Rupert of Alaska and Delos Rupert of Florida. The family requests that in lieu of flowers contributions be sent to the R. Bell Chapman NFA Fund, in care of George M. Northrop. The Rev. Charles Ross of Poughquag will return to Newburgh to conduct the funeral services for his former teacher at Calvary Presbyterian Church on Saturday at 2 p.m. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of John Sloane White.”