CHAPMAN, ALTON BROOKS (1904~1996) Alton Brooks Chapman, state judge, was born on July 22, 1904 in Rochester, Texas to Mathis White and Ida Mae Wadzeck Chapman. He graduated from Haskell High School, Hardin Simmons University, and the University of Texas Law School.

In his early years, he served as County Attorney in Dickens County and as District Attorney for the 110th Judicial District. At the age of 32, he was appointed as District Judge of this district, making him the youngest District Judge in the State of Texas. Judge Chapman served as District Judge for 20 years before being elected, in 1956, to the Amarillo Court of Appeals. Judge Chapman served two terms on the Appeals Court before retiring in 1968.

Following his retirement, he and his wife moved to Gatesville, near their family ranch. Judge Chapman was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church Gatesville, past District Governor of Rotary International, a member of the Masonic Lodge and was active with the Gideons in his retirement.

Judge Chapman died on June 12, 1996, and was buried in the Texas State Cemetery two days later.