Our family name, Chatman, comes from John Chatman of Twiggs County, Georgia, who enslaved our ancestors. Records show our ancestor Frank Chatman was born to enslaved parents in 1844 in Twiggs County. By 1860, at just 16 years old, Frank was sold to another enslaver in Alabama.

After emancipation, Frank was documented in the 1870 census in Mobile, Alabama, but listed alone without family (age 26). He later settled in South Carolina, where the 1900 census shows him with his wife Caroline and their children in Clarendon County.

Ever wondered why some of our names are Chatman and Chapman? I got you family!

The puzzle of our differing surnames comes down to a simple clerical error in the 1920 United States Federal Census. In the Sammy Swamp area of Clarendon County, South Carolina, two blood brothers and their families were recorded on the same census sheet by the same census taker. One brother, Albertus, had his name correctly spelled as Chatman. However, his brother, John Arthur (Pete), was mistakenly listed as Chapman. This is why some of Pete's descendants carry the Chapman spelling today.

The Pack lineage begins with Joseph Pack, an English Planter and a founder of Paxville, South Carolina (originally Packsville). Joseph, with his wife Louisa Alexander, had a child named Alexander Pack. Alexander, in turn, had a son, Thomas A. Pack, with Elecy Nettles. Thomas A. Pack married Affey Pack, and together they had Harrison Pack. Harrison Pack then had Estelle Pack with Louisa Taylor. Finally, Estelle Pack married John Artur 'Pete' Chatman, solidifying the union that brought forth the Chatman & Pack Family.

Our family story continues through the marriage of John Arthur (Pete) Chatman and Estelle Pack Chatman, both born in Clarendon County’s Sammy Swamp community. Together, they raised six sons — King, John Jr., Chester, twins Joseph and David, JB — and a chosen son, LeRoy.

Estelle Pack Chatman May 18, 1887 - June 16, 1956
John Arthur (Pete) Chatman March 4, 1890 - August 17, 1968
We proudly honor their legacy and celebrate our Chatman and Pack roots.

King (Deacon) Chatman

(August 6, 1911 - March 3, 1992)

King married Sarah Stukes, and together they had two daughters, Estelle and Eva. After Sarah’s passing, he later married Theola Wilson on September 4, 1938, and they welcomed two more daughters, Gracie and Katie.

As the oldest of six brothers, King was deeply involved in his church community, serving for many years as superintendent of Sunday school and as a senior deacon at Greenhill Baptist Church until his passing.

John Chatman

(June 7, 1914 - June 22, 1990)

John was joined in holy matrimony to Rosa Johnson and to that union, eight children were born, Raymond, Ruth, Susan, John, Ada and Ida (twins), Alfred and Ruby. Shortly after their marriage, in 1942, he relocated his family to Wilmington, NC where he worked at the shipyard in order to purchase a home for his family. In 1946 they returned to Sumter and that dream was fulfilled. He was always looking for a way to make a better life for his family. He enjoyed gardening with his brothers, King and Chester on their great grandfather's farm in Paxville. They raised fresh vegetables and pigs to help provide food for their families. His greatest joy was the love of his family, making Christmas special for them with plenty food, fruits, nuts and gifts. He loved making homemade ice cream for his children, nieces, nephews and all the neighborhood children.

He helped trained young males to drive and get their driver's license. He never met anyone, (no matter who) that wasn't his cousin. He was a trustee at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church for many years and a former member of Greenhill Masonic Lodge.

Chester (Lucy) Chatman Sr.

(July 5, 1915 - September 5, 1993)

Chester was joined in holy matrimony to Marie Johnson, December 3, 1937 and to that union, seven children were born, Chester, Helen, Margaree, Purdy, Willie Edward, King Il, and William Henry. He was a trustee at Greenhill Baptist Church until his death. He possessed a congenial character and story telling which won for him a place in the hearts of many who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a man of strong convictions and courage. From his life living here, we, his family feel that his living has not been in vain. Fond and loving memories of him will be cherished for an eternity.

Joseph (Big Boy) Chatman

(April 20, 1921 - February 3, 2005)

Joseph was joined in holy matrimony to Lucille Rosenbourgh, November 10, 1941 and to that union, seven children were born, Sandie Lee (deceased), Lillian, Joseph, Jr., Sylvia, Carolyn, Barbara and Doris.He and his family later moved to Tampa, FL joining the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist. Church from 1960 to 1970. He then joined Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church until his demised on February 3, 2005. He was Chairman of the Deacon Board for more than thirty years. For those he had a chance to know him, he will truly be missed.

David (Little Boy) Chatman

(April 20, 1921 - August 15, 1996)

David was joined in holy matrimony to Sallie Mae Riley and to that union, thirteen children were born, David Jr., James, Emma, Inez, Edward, Sallie, Patricia, Franklin, Janice and Jeanette (two of the triplets), and Michael Tyrone. Two children preceded him in death, Ida Lee and Jane (one of the triplets). Kind words quoted from his beloved wife Sallie, now deceased: "We have been married for S6 years. Although the road was not easy and rough sometimes, we made it through by the help of the Lord. Our love was true. In our special quiet times and moments together; we would say to each other I love you 'SOMETIMES' and laugh about it with each other". He loved life and lived it to the fullest. His favorite slogan was "Happy New Year"! This slogan was repeated daily to anyone he came in contact with and was said any time of the year.

J.B. (Chat) Chatman

(January 10, 1925 - June, 2007)

J.B. married Josephine Taylor on August 31, 1946. Together, they had seven children: Willard, George, Patricia, Joseph, Sharron, Irving, and Christopher.

J.B. was known for always lending a helping hand to family and friends whenever needed. He was a dedicated and exceptional provider for his family and is fondly remembered for his generosity and support.

LeRoy Chatman

(August 20, 1932 - September 11, 2010)

LeRoy married Julia Mae Thames, and together they had eight children: Madgelene, LeRoy Jr., Deloris, Linda, Terry, Michael, Ethel, and Valarie. He also had another daughter, Tiffany Monroe.

LeRoy was known throughout Clarendon County as “Mr. Fix-It,” always ready to handle anything from electrical work to plumbing. He also earned the nickname “Mr. Barbecue” for his delicious, finger-licking good barbecue pig. LeRoy is deeply missed.