Cyrenius Chapin (February 7, 1769 – February 20, 1838) was an American physician and militia leader in Western New York. He is recognized as the first physician in the Buffalo region, having purchased land in the village of New Amsterdam (now Buffalo, New York) from the Holland Land Company in 1803. Chapin played a significant role during the War of 1812, leading a New York militia in an effort to defend Buffalo from being burned by British forces. He was also a foundational figure in the establishment of several key institutions in Western New York, including the first almshouse, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Erie County Medical Society, and the Erie County Agricultural Society.[1] Towards the end of his life, Chapin provided refuge to William Lyon Mackenzie, a Canadian rebel leader involved in the Patriot (Hunter) Wars.[2]
