Publisher's Synopsis
The author undertook the immense task of compiling this Chaf-fin history at the urgent request of J. H. Stockham, Esq., of Des Moines, la. Mr. Stockham, whose mother was a Chaffin, was deeply interested in the history of this family and had collected considerable data concerning it. But as Comptroller of Drake University of Des Moines he had no time to undertake this enterprise; and learning that Rev. W. L. Chaffin of Massachusetts was a member of this family, and had over thirty years' experience in historical work, he urged him to undertake it, promising to aid him all he could, a promise he has amply fulfilled. Mr. Stockham must, therefore, have the credit of initiating this work. This was early in 1911. The author had, however, become much interested in the family history some years before this by correspondence with the Misses Abby A. and Frederika N. Lewis of Cambridge, Mass., members of the Chaffin family. These ladies had collected much valuable information, some of which but for their painstaking efforts might never have come to light, and the author is under great obligation to them for the invaluable assistance they rendered in turning over their material to him and in stimulating his interest. It is, however, doubtful if he would have undertaken the immense labor required in compiling this history, or have assumed its financial risks, but for the earnest appeal and encouragement of Mr. Stockham, as already stated...
