 R. Chappelle Matthews Papers
Collection DescriptionBiographical NoteChappelle Matthews was born on November 1, 1908 in Athens, Georgia. A member of a four-generation Athens family, Matthews attended Athens public schools and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1933. After completion of his degree from the Southern Law School in 1934, he began practicing law in Athens. Matthews was first elected as a Democrat to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1949 representing Clarke County. He served on the Rules and Judiciary, Agriculture, Game and Fish, Western and Atlantic Railroad, Legislative and Reapportionment committees as well as chair of the University System committee. Every bill Matthews personally sponsored passed on the floor of the house, including the 1951 constitutional amendment that required a 3 percent sales tax to support public education. From 1955 to 1976, Matthews faced no opposition for his seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. After twenty-seven years advocating higher education and welfare legislation, Matthews retired from public service in 1976. At the time of his retirement, Matthews was considered the "Dean" of the House - the representative with the longest service. Although he was a member of several other committees, it was Matthews's devotion and contributions to higher education that earned him the titles among his legislative colleagues such as "Mr. University System" and "Mr. Higher Education" among his colleagues. The University of Georgia honored Matthews with the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1964 and the Distinguished Service award in 1970. Matthews died in 1986. Scope and ContentThe R. Chappelle Matthews Papers consist of newspaper clippings, event programs, speeches, awards, artifacts, and photographs from Matthews' service in the Georgia House of Representatives. Organization and ArrangementThe collection is divided into three series: I. General, II. Photographs, and III. Artifacts. Administrative InformationPreferred CitationR. Chappelle Matthews Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, GA, 30602-1641. User RestrictionsLibrary acts as "fair use" reproduction agent. Copyright InformationBefore material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original. Finding Aid PublicationFinding aid prepared on: 2000. Related Materials and SubjectsSubject TermsRelated Collections in this Repository
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