Butte
County
Biographies
J.
O. CHIAPELLA, M. D.
A native of California, Dr. J. O. Chiapella has always
resided within the borders of the state and is well known in its professional
circles as a distinguished representative of the medical fraternity of
Chico. He was born in Los Angeles,
January 1, 1880, and is a son of S. E. and Eulalie (Pinta) Chiapella. The father, who came to California in 1875,
devoted his attention to the banking business and to mercantile affairs and his
demise occurred during the childhood of Dr. Chiapella, who is the eldest in a
family of three children. The others
are: Edward E., a well known artist, who
lives in Los Angeles; and Stephen E., a mining engineer and metallurgist who
has fully exploited old Mexico and who also makes his home in Los Angeles.
Dr. J. O. Chiapella was a pupil in the common schools of
Hollywood and the Los Angeles high school, after which he took a pre-medical
course in the University of Southern California. This was followed by a year’s study in a San
Francisco hospital and the San Joaquin County Hospital, and subsequently he
further equipped himself for medical service by spending a year in Yolo county
and four years in the San Joaquin valley.
He then came to Chico, where he has since followed his profession as an
eye, ear, nose and throat specialist. In
treating diseases affecting these organs he manifests marked skill and
beneficial results have attended his ministrations. He is thorough and painstaking in his methods
and within a period of fifteen years has established a practice of large
proportions. His office is located on
Broadway between First and Second Streets and contains the latest and best
equipment utilized for his particular line of work. He is the owner of the building which he
occupies and also of a desirable modern home at 4620 South Willow Street, near
the Bidwell mansion.
On the 2nd of August, 1911, Dr. Chiapella was
married to Miss Raetta Colt, a daughter of W. P. Colt, and they have become the
parents of three sons: Karl J., and
Clyde P., who are attending the Chico high school; and William Colt, a grammar
school pupil.
During his hours of leisure Dr. Chiapella turns to
baseball and football for recreation. In
religious faith he is an Episcopalian and is one of the trustees of his
church. Politically he is a Republican
and his fraternal affiliations are with the Masons, the Elks and the Odd
Fellows. Ever mindful of the duties and
obligations as well as the privileges of citizenship, he has devoted much time
and effort to community affairs and is now a member of the school board of
Chico and a trustee of the local grammar school, doing much to further
educational advancement in this section.
He has long been an earnest advocate of the Boy Scout movement and has
been made commissioner for this district.
The good of others has been paramount with Dr. Chiapella, who has
attained high standing in his profession and made his services of real value to
his fellowmen.
Transcribed by
Gerald Iaquinta.
Source:
Wooldridge, J.W.Major History of Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 378-379. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010
Gerald Iaquinta.
Golden Nugget Library's Butte County Biographies