William married Mary Ann Norred, probably in Randolph County, AL where she was born and grew-up. The Randolph County Courthouse burned down and the old marriages burned with it. Mary Ann died in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. She was the daughter of Alabama Confederate Soldier, Wesley Marvin Norred and Emily S. Russell. William's parents were Alabama Confederate Soldier, Anthony Chappell and Melinda Lee. It looks like from the census, William was actually born in 1840. I think he is the male under 5 on the 1840 Census in Newton County, GA. His marker and obituary have 1841 as his birth year. William was said to have had an exceptionally sweet and kind personality. Note: From William's obituary, it is possible that he had gout. Eating cherries would have stopped the pain !

Note: William served in the Civil War: Company B, 5th, Alabama. He enlisted with his father and brother, Isaac. He applied for a pension on June 6, 1899 from Talladega, Alabama.

Alabama Christian Advocate, Feb. 27, 1913

W.M. Chappell was born February the 22nd, 1841; was married to Mary Ann Norred in 1865; united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South in 1879, and passed to this reward in the great beyond on the 28th August 1912 at Wilsonville, AL.

The conversion of Brother Chappell was very singular and shows that activity in the interest of Christianity will bring forth good results. There was no Methodist Church near his home and he joined in with others to build one. Bethel Chapel in Talladega County was thus constructed, chiefly through his efforts and upon his own land. At the opening services he identified himself with his church and was later elected one of the first stewards.

He and his consecrated wife reared a family of godly children, one of whom Reverend A.J. Chappell, is known to North Alabama Methodism. He having served faithfully as an itinerant for twenty-six years, with results which eternity alone will reveal in its fullness, and also the following children: Cynthia, J.W. Chappell, Isaac Jess Chappell, Ella Media, Fannie Melinda, Ollie Belle, Rosa Jane, Arta Mittie, Mary Lucenda, G.W. Chappell and Charles M. Chappell.

In the closing years of Brother Chappell's life, his body was racked with pain, almost unendurable at times, yet his spirit remained sweet and he was ever mindful of those around him. It was a gracious privilege to be with this valiant soldier of the cross as he anticipated the sweet by and by. His life's work is ended, he is realizing his anticipation and may God bless and keep those that mourn his death until that happy meeting beyond the skies.

His pastor,
W.R. Battle

Children of William and Mary Ann
1. Andrew Jackson Chappell
2. Cynthia Ann Chappell
3. John Wesly Chapppell
4. William Robert Chappell
5. Isaac Jesse Chappell
6. Ella Medina Chappell
7. Frances Melinda Chappell
8. Ollie Belle Chappell
9. Rosa Jane Chappell
10. Arta Mittie Chappell
11. Mary Lucena Chappell
12. George W. Chappell
13. Charles McGibson Chappell