In 1834, Chapin moved to Edwardsburg, Michigan, a few miles east of Niles, and started a general store.

Ten years later, he entered into a partnership with S. S. Griffin and opened a wool business and general store in Niles.

[5][2] The Chapin House is a three-story red brick Queen Anne structure[1] with slate, wood, and terra cotta trimmings.

The structure has a turreted, round corner tower and a number of projecting and recessed porches and semi-hexagonal bay window units.

The second floor contained an upper stair hall surrounded by four large bedchambers and quarters for servants in the rear.