Chapman and King Ranch founder Richard King were business partners in the 1800s. Following Chapman's death, his widow sued King for her share of profits from her husband's half-interest in 15,500 acres of land that eventually became the centerpiece of the King Ranch cattle empire.

The claim against King was eventually settled, with Chapman's widow's attorney selling her interest in the ranch in 1883 for $5,800. A trial court incorporated the settlement in a final judgment that also awarded the title to a 240-acre tract of land to Chapman's estate.

In its 21-page opinion, the Supreme Court rejected allegations that Chapman's attorney, Robert J. Kleberg, suffered a conflict of interest because he was also performing legal work for King at the time.