Source: Selected Transcriptions and Images from Olympia Tribune Souvenir Issue 1891

"J. R. Chaplin, president of this company, is a living illustration of the possibilities of becoming a rich man in a short space of time in the wonderful Puget Sound country. Two years ago he came to Olympia with absolutely no capital at all. By judicious investment of his first earnings, carefully watching the real estate market, and placing his money here and there where it soon doubled, it was not long before he came to be looked upon as one of the progressive solid men of Olympia. Mr. Chaplin formerly occupied the pulpit of the Congregational church. He is a go-ahead man in every particular, and is the financial manager of the Congregational college which is to be established below Butler's cove on the west side, and which he was mainly instrumental in bringing here. His partner, C. Thoreson, also a young man of good judgement and a thorough real estate man, is secretary and treasurer of the land company. Both are members of the board of trade, and active in all interests that affect the welfare of the state capital. Mr. Chaplin established brick yards in the vicinity of the city which gave employment to a large number of men. The land company own Woodruff's addition on the west side and other tracts in the vicinity. Woodruff's addition slopes gradually down to the shores of the bay, and is in full view of the whole city. One of the most beautiful mountain views is to be seen from this part of the city. Water has already been put into the streets here, and a great part of the avenues have been graded. A large part of the street improvements have been made, and many of the best known citizens of the city have either started residences there or will build during the coming summer, contracts having already been let for some very handsome private dwellings. The route for the new motor line has been surveyed through this addition, and this line will soon be in operation. Mr. Chaplin was born in Livingston county, Mich., on April 30, 1851. In early life he was a farmer, but at the age of 24 he entered Adrian college in his native state, and graduated in 1883. He then entered the ministry, in which calling he continued until 1890. He came to this state two years ago last January. On the organization of the Thurston County Land Company he was elected president, and in all that looks to the growth of his adopted city he takes an active interest. He is married and has four children."

http://www.olympiahistory.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=295:selected-transcriptions-from-olympia-tribune-souvenir-issue-1891&catid=7:generaltopicsolympiahistory&Itemid=2

Thank you, Olympia Historical Society.

0276 The Evening Statesman, Volume 36, Number 81, 25 October 1906 pg 2

Chaplin
J.R. founded People's University

http://www.olympiahistory.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=102%3Ac&catid=17&Itemid=33
Olympia, WA, Thurston County house
Queen Anne style
Title [425 N. Rogers, Chaplin House]
Full Description Photograph of a large two story Queen Anne style house, identified as the Chaplin House, 425 North Rogers, it is still in existence. It has a square turret, multiple rooflines, decorative elements at rooflines, a front porch with slender columns. It is elevated slightly from ground level.

Thank you Olympia Historical Society!

0448 Washington Standard Olympia, Washington, Fri, 26 Oct 1906, pg 3 col 4

0786 The Seattle Star (Seattle, Washington), Tue, 23 Oct 23, 1906, Vol 8, Page 6 col 8