Verner Chaffin Family Papers, 1912-1974, bulk 1940-1959

Summary

Creator:
Hargrett Library
Date:
1912-1974, bulk 1940-1959
Extent:
3.2 Linear Feet 2 cartons, 3 document boxes, 1 oversized box, 2 oversized folders C, 1 large poster
Language:
The collection contains materials written in English and Japanese with two books written in Italian.
Preferred citation:

Verner Chaffin Family Papers, ms2036, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of a variety of materials donated by the Chaffin family concerning the academic and professional lives of Dr. Emory Chaffin and his son Verner Chaffin. The majority of the materials detail the varied studies of Verner spanning from his high school and college graduations to materials collected as he attempted to learn Japanese after his enrollment in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and materials collected during his time in Japan. The collection also contains materials related to Dr. Emory Chaffin's medical practice and licensing and his membership in the Freemasons. In addition, there are several large posters (Russian Propaganda and reproductions of watercolors depicting battle scenes recreated in Paramount's motion picture "Wake Island"). Included are an early 20th century teacher's grade book, plaques showing various Georgia colleges, a picture of a 1960s DAR banquet in Washington, D.C., and a press release detailing an architecture exhibition at Georgia Tech.

Biographical / historical:

Dr. Emory E. Chaffin worked as a doctor in North Georgia from the early 1910s to the 1950s. He received his medical license from the Atlanta Medical College in 1912, and he lived in Toccoa, Georgia. In addition, he was a member of the Freemasons and a hobbyist who enjoyed painting.

His son, Verner F. Chaffin, went on to become a lawyer and professor of law at the University of Georgia School of Law.

Verner F. Chaffin (1918- ) was born in Georgia, and graduated as the Valedictorian from Toccoa High School in 1935 and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Georgia in 1939 after transferring from Emory University. In 1942, received his L.L.B. from the University of Georgia School of Law. After completing his studies, he enrolled in the United States Navy and served as an intelligence officer and Japanese linguist during World War II, where he was stationed in the Pacific theater, and the Korean War. In 1947, he began teaching law at the University of Alabama. In 1958, he returned to the UGA School of Law as a full professor. After teaching for 42 years, Chaffin retired in 1989, but continued working as an attorney. His specialties include wills and trusts, federal estate and gift taxation, future interests, estate planning, and administration of descendants' estates and trusts. For his work in these areas, the State Bar of Georgia established the Verner F. Chaffin Career Service Award to recognize individuals with strong records of "outstanding, unselfish and dedicated service to the Fiduciary Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia, its members and the citizens of Georgia." Though retired, Chaffin is still active in the Athens Community and with the UGA School of Law.

Arrangement:

Arranged into 9 series by record type:

Series 1: Japanese Books

Series 2: US Naval Manuals, Instructions, and Publications

Series 3: V. Chaffin Personal WW2 Japan Memorabilia

Series 4: V. Chaffin School Memorabilia

Series 5: Dr. E. Chaffin Papers and Books

Series 6: Newspapers and Clippings

Series 7: Russian Propaganda Posters

Series 8: "Wake Island" Movie Watercolor Reproductions

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Verner Chaffin Family Papers, ms2036, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.