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Author: SharonToji
Surnames: Chapin
Classification: biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.chapin/495.2.1.1.1/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
Our branch of the family is decended from Josiah Chapin. My grandfather was Frank Chapin,
with brother Luther Chapin and sister Grace Chapin. My father's family lived in
Ellensburg, Washington, Salem, Oregon and then in Myrtle Creek and Days Creek Oregon. My
father was Sherman Chapin (just died in 2002 at the age of 94. My uncle Frank Chapin just
died a few weeks ago. Previously, also at advanced ages, my aunt Cork (Cordelia) and twins
Lucille and Lucia died. The only one now living is Margaret, in Vernonia Oregon. I live in
Irvine California.
Last summer I took the trip my father always wanted to take and took most of my family to
Paignton, in Devon, where Deacon Samuel Chapin was baptized and married before leaving for
America. It was wonderful. Two of my daughters and two of my sons went, along with five
grandsons and of course our spouses. We stayed in a farmhouse on the outskirts of Paignton
called Newbarn Farms for a week. Our windows overlooked Dartmoor and we were able to take
great trips to Dartmouth, up the Dart River, out on the Moor, and to the Strand and the
medieval city of Totnes. The highlight was our visits to the Parish Church. They were
great at the church. They brought in the local historian to take us through the church as
well as a guest pastor, since the regular pastor was out of town. We were also able to
attend a special concert given by the organist and a singer on the Singer organ. We all
signed the Chapin book.
Devon is, many people say, the most beautiful county in England. I would encourage all
Chapins who are intereted in the family to make the trip if they can. It's inspiring,
educational, and beautiful.
I know this is long after the intitial reunion post, but I'd love to attend a
California Chapin reunion.
Sharon Chapin Toji
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