Bio: J. W. Chaffin, Desoto & Natchitoches  Parish Louisiana
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana
The Southern Publishing Company, Chicago & Nashville,  1890
Submitted by Gaytha Carver Thompson





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J.W. CHAFFIN
General Merchant
Wagner's Hill, Grand Cane P. 0., La. 

The general mercantile trade is of primary significance, and foremost among
those engaged in it here is Mr. J. W. Chaffin. This gentleman was born in
Jones County, Ga., in 1856, and was the third of five children-three sons and
two daughters born to Jephtha J. and Susan  A. (Middlebrook) Chaffin, both
natives also of Georgia, where they resided until about 1860. They then
removed to De Soto Parish and there Mrs. Chaffin was killed by a falling tree,
about the breaking out of the war.  Mr. Chaffin died in March, 1888; he was a
member of the Masonic fraternity and a mechanic by trade.  

J. W. Chaffin was reared, from about the age of four years, in De Soto Parish,
La., and received a practical education in the country schools.  When about
fifteen years of age (1871) he began clerking, where he is now in business,
with John Wagner, who afterward became his father-in-law.  He continued to
clerk for Mr. Wagner until the latter's death in 1878, when he purchased
one-half interest and is now the sole owner.  

In 1877 his married with Miss Nellie Wagner was consummated and the fruits 0£
this union were four children, two sons and a daughter now living.  Mrs.
Chaffin was born in De Soto Parish, and was the daughter of John and Cynthia
Wagner.  The father was born in Philadelphia, and came to Louisiana when a
young  man.  He first engaged in overseeing near Alexandria, and from there
went to what is now DeSoto Parish at a very early day, and when it was
Natchitoches Parish.  He made a fortune and the balance of his days
in this parish, his death occurring in 1878.  He was a merchant for many
years, and was president of the police jury many years.  He was of the Baptist
persuasion. He was married three times, and his first wife was the mother of
Mrs. Chaffin.  

Aside from his mercantile business Mr. Chaffin is also the owner of a good
steam gin and grist-mill.