This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Surnames: CHAFFIN CHAFIN
Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/4NI.2ACEB/409
Message Board Post:
Dear Chaffin/Chafin researchers:
Curtis G. Chaffin has published a terrific new genealogy, “The Family History of Chaffins
in Virginia (1717) to Chaffins in Georgia (2002) and My Life and Travels.” Curtis’s book
is over 300 pages and includes 2,734 names (these are not tiny pages; they’re full-size, 8
1/2 x 11s!). I have many published genealogies in my collection, but I have never seen
one so rich in source detail, and thus so likely to be accurate. This is the BEST!
Curtis spent 40 years researching his, and related, lines, and he seems to have either
quoted in their entirety or to have abstracted every source he consulted. This book
starts with “Cumberland John” Chaffin (c.1696-1773) of Cumberland Co., Virginia, and it
follows subsequent lines, especially – and this is VERY important – those who migrated to
Georgia. (Thus, there is very little on the descendants of the Christopher Chaffin who
seem to have been the progenitor most of th!
e Chaffin/Chafins in southwestern Virginia, West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky.) It
covers extensively descendants of John’s son, Joshua Chaffin, Sr. (c/1720-1805) and his
sons, Isham Chaffin (c.1758-1822) and Joshua Chaffin, Jr. (c.1745-bt.1830/1840), but also
some collateral lines. (See also my message No. 1017, Feb. 14, 2002.)
Curtis’s book costs $50.00, and frankly, I consider mine a bargain. (I’m a descendant of
Joshua Chaffin, Jr.) The cost covers copying, binding, and mailing, with a little left
over to cover the 40 years of research Curtis put into the book. If you’re interested in
buying a copy, send me an email (click on my name), and I’ll give you the details on how
to contact Curtis. But please note: I will respect the fact that Curtis worked for many
years to compile this book and that it is copyrighted; I will NOT provide “look-ups.” But
if you’re not sure if the book will be useful, ask me, and I’ll tell you.
Curtis’s book has been my bedside reading for nearly three weeks, and I have only just
begun. Great work, Curtis!
Scott Chafin