Sussman-Laabs

Alexander Chapoton was a descendant of one of the oldest Detroit families. His ancestor Jean Chapoton was a surgeon in the French army, and was assigned to Fort Pontchartrain, arriving in 1719.[4] Jean remained in Detroit until his death in 1762.

Years later, Jean's descendant Alexander Chapoton inherited his father Eustache's masonry business and a fortune to go along with it. He later expanded his business and became an important contractor in Detroit, helping to build several commercial blocks and residences, including the Globe Tobacco Building. He also served on the Water Board and was appointed to a commission that selected an architect for the Michigan state capitol. Chapoton's son, Alexander Jr., joined the family business and eventually inherited a greater fortune than his father had.

The Alexander Chapoton House is a Queen Anne style row house located at 511 Beaubien Street in Downtown Detroit, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1980.

Chapoton built this house in the late 1870s as rental property. However, Chapoton himself lived in the home until his death in 1893.

(Source: Wikipedia article: "Alexander Chapoton House" - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Chapoton_House)

Alexander Chapoton, Sr, was a son of Eustache Chapoton. He was elected to the state legislature in 1863. He was a skilled mechanic, contractor and builder. He was one of the three commissioners supervising the erection of the state capitol building in Lansing. The building was completed at a cost that was less than what was appropriated. He served on the Detroit Board of Public Works for nine years. Among the buildings erected under him: the Detroit Opera House; National Hotel; Michigan Exchange Hotel; Freedman's Store; Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church; numerous stores on Woodward and Jefferson Avenues; and many fine residences. He also built the Godfroy, Merrill, Buhl, Telegraph and Burns blocks.

He married Felice Montreuil. They had six children: Alexander, Jr., Dr. Edmund A., and four daughters.

(Source: Mt Elliott Cemetery A History, Est 1841, p 20)