Henry Chapman was born on October 18, 1859 and lived until January 4, 1935. He and his wife Helen had a son and three daughters. He conducted 51 auction sales from 1907 through the end of his career. His business was continued by his wife, and his long time employee Ella B. Wright who operated the business until 1948.

The Chapman brothers began their numismatic career as employees of John Haseltine, and formed their own auction company with the first sale held in 1878. From then until 1906, they conducted 82 auction sales together, and continued separately, conducting more sales. The Chapmans set the standard for numismatic cataloging at the time.