Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice.
Shadrach Chaffin's journal documents agricultural life, business, events, and the weather in and near Vernon Township, Ohio, from the mid-1800s through the 1930s. The journal was used for varying purposes. Consequently, there is little discernible order in terms of pagination. As Chaffin wrote on page 133 of his journal, "When I am gone to return no more this book will be searched and read over be careful to read all, it will be some trouble, as dates run back as well as forward." Also included in the collection are a handwritten transcription of parts of the journal , a published genealogy of the Chaffin family in the United States, genealogical notes, and a clipping with a story of a Chaffin family in North Carolina.
Shadrach Chaffin (1797-1884) of Vernon Township, Ohio, managed a farm and was involved in business, local government, legal affairs, and banking.
The primary owner of this journal appears to have been Shadrach (also spelled Shadrack in some Vernon Township histories) Chaffin (1797-1884) of Vernon Township, Ohio. The journal was passed down to one of Chaffin's daughters, Lucinda Emory. Her son, Orrin Cecil Emory, wrote at least two entries recording the weather in 1925 and 1931. The words "Property of O. C. Emory" appear on one of the journal's first pages.
Shadrach Chaffin's journal documents agricultural life, business, events, and the weather in and near Vernon Township, Ohio, from the mid-1800s through the 1930s. The journal was used for varying purposes. Consequently, there is little discernible order in terms of pagination. As Chaffin wrote on page 133 of his journal, "When I am gone to return no more this book will be searched and read over be careful to read all, it will be some trouble, as dates run back as well as forward."
This journal documents Shadrach Chaffin's management of his farm and possibly the family mill, as well as his involvement with the Vernon Trustees and the Iron Bank of Ironton (later the First National Bank of Ironton). Aspects of the American Civil War's effect on this man and the town are evident. Primarily, the journal documents the weather and its effects on Chaffin's farm in Vernon Township, Ohio.
Also included in the collection are a handwritten transcription of parts of the journal , a published genealogy of the Chaffin family in the United States, genealogical notes, and a clipping with a story of a Chaffin family in North Carolina.
The collection is arranged by type of document.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], Shadrach Chaffin Family Papers, MC 00234, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Gift of Mary Ann Braham, March 2010 and November 2012.
Processed by Carolyn Chesarino, 2010 October; finding aid created by Carolyn Chesarino, 2010 October; updated because of addition by Linda Sellars, 2012 November.
Shadrach Chaffin primarily used this book as a near-daily log from approximately 1857 through 1872. Though his entries concentrate on the weather and farm-related news, he also noted family and community news, activities and trips, and reflections and prayers.
Chaffin also used this book as a register for his financial transactions from approximately 1851 through 1863. He recorded his purchases of commodities such as coffee, tobacco, molasses, and whiskey; the payrolls of those who worked on his farm; and his tax obligations.
Included in this book on page 107 appears to be Chaffin's notes on a Vernon Township Trustees meeting in 1863. These meeting minutes cover the township's financial account and an order to divide into militia districts.
An 1863 physician's affidavit affirming George Crawford's permanent disability and inability to be drafted into the military is included on page 82.
Pages 176 and 177 document a meeting for shareholders of the Iron Bank of Ironton in reaction to the 1863 National Bank Act which encouraged banks to generate a national currency.
The words "Property of O. C. Emory" appear on one of the first pages of the book. At least two entries recording the weather in 1925 and 1934 are signed "O. C. E." Orrin Cecil Emory was a grandson of Shadrach Chaffin.
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice.
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[Identification of item], Shadrach Chaffin Family Papers, MC 00234, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.