He attended the George Washington University, then Millersville State Normal School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

In 1888, he began his political career by successfully running for treasurer and probate judge of Carbon County.

[2] It was during Chatterton's time as Governor that the hanging of Tom Horn occurred; it has been speculated that Chatterton's failure to win re-election as governor in 1905 was the result of his refusal to commute Horn's death sentence.

Chatterton was not nominated by his party to fill the office of governor for the 1904 election, but continued to serve as Secretary of State until his term expired in 1907.

After his term as Secretary of State expired, Chatterton did not serve in public office again.