Identity:

Since Chapman's Christian names are illegible it is difficult, if not impossible to trace his connection with JW. It is not clear if Chapman even lived in London.

Life:

However, Chapman and JW may have had shared literary interests or friends in common, since Chapman's club was defined by Charles Dickens (Jr.) : 'Has for its object to secure a convenient and agreeable place of meeting for a society of gentlemen, all connected with each other by a common bond of literary or personal acquaintance. The election of members is by ballot. No ballot is valid unless twenty members actually vote; and one black ball in ten excludes. The entrance fee is £26 5s., and £1 1s. to the library fund; subscription, £10.'

Bibliography:

Dickens (Jr.), Charles, Dickens's Dictionary of London, London, 1879