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Braswell D. Deen, Sr. Papers
Descriptive Summary | |
| Title: Braswell D. Deen, Sr. Papers | |
| Creator: Deen, Braswell D., 1893-1981. | |
| Inclusive Dates: 1917-1984 | |
| Language(s): English | |
| Extent: 3 box(es) (1.75 linear feet) | |
| Collection Number: RBRL217BDDSR | |
| Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies | |
| Abstract: The collection consists of materials dating from 1917-1984 of Braswell D. Deen, Sr. (1893-1981), editor and owner of Alma Times, United States Congressman, and director of the Georgia Department of Public Welfare. The papers include a manuscript written by his son, Braswell Deen, Jr., correspondence, manuscripts, thoughts, and poems written by Deen, newspaper clippings, speeches, photographs, and scrapbooks. The materials document Deen's 1932 campaign for U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia's Eighth District, his career as Director of Public Welfare, his interest in family genealogy, and his writings. There is also biogrpahical information on Deen. | |
Collection Description
Biographical Note
Braswell D. Deen, Sr., second oldest of twelve children, was born on June 28, 1893, on a farm south of Baxley, Appling County, Georgia, son of Samuel and Victory Altman Dean. His families were early pioneers of southeast Georgia, both his paternal and maternal grandfathers serving with distinction in the Confederate Army.
He worked his way through Young Harris College and Emory University. In 1916, he was elected County School Superintendent of Appling County, Georgia, later voluntarily resigning to enter the armed services in World War I. In 1924, Deen was elected President of the South Georgia Junior College at McRae, Georgia, which position he held through May, 1928. He became editor and owner of the Alma Times, a weekly newspaper in Alma, Georgia in 1928.
Deen was elected to the United States Congress in the 8th District in 1932, receiving more than 75% of the total vote. He was re-elected in 1934 and 1936. He decline to be a candidate in 1938 because of poor health. In 1939 he was appointed by Governor E. D. Rivers as State Director of the Georgia Department of Public Welfare.
Deen also represented State Mutual Insurance Company in general sales in southeast Georgia. He was also engaged in extensive farming and cattle production.
Along with many other achievements, he helped secure the REA (Rural Electrification Administration) Headquarters in Alma for eight counties and authored, introduced and secured successful passage in the U. S. Congress of his House Bill No. 12120 entitled, "A Bill for the Further Development of Vocational Education in the Several States and Territories." The George-Deen Vocational Bill extended funding for vocational programs and expanded the program to provide educational opportunities to adults. At the FAA Camp, there stands a beautiful building constructed in 1960 named after Congressman Deen and Senator Walter F. George.
He married Corrine Smith of Lawrenceville, Georgia. They had four children, Mildred Deen Galusha, Braswell D. Deen, Jr., Walter George Deen and Ralph Lee Deen. He died in November, 1981.
Scope and Content
The Braswell Deen Sr. papers consist of materials from 1917-1984 with the bulk of the items dating from 1960 to 1982. The papers include a manuscript written by his son, Braswell Deen, Jr., correspondence (1917-1979), manuscripts, thoughts and poems written by Deen, clippings, speeches, photographs, scrapbooks and a 1921 Emory yearbook. The materials document Deen's campaign for US House of Representatives in the Georgia's Eighth District, his career as Director of Public Welfare, his interest in family genealogy, and his writing career. There is also biographical information on Deen, Sr.
Organization and Arrangement
The papers are divided into three series: I. Personal II. Scrapbooks, and III. Photographs. Arrangement is by type of record, then in chronological order when possible.
Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Braswell D. Deen, Sr. papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.
Processing Notes
Photographs were removed from the papers for preservation.
User Restrictions
Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.
Copyright Information
Before 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 Publication
Finding Aid prepared by , 2000.
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