CHAFEE, George
Portrait & Biographical Record Winnebago & Boone Cos., IL. Chicago: Biographical Pub. Co., 1892, p 1092

George CHAFEE, who is one of the most successful and prosperous farmers of Spring Township, Boone County [IL], was born in Onondaga County, NY, 16 Aug 1811, his parents being David and Eunice (CHAPMAN) CHAFEE.  They were natives of CT and departed this life in Onondaga County at the respective ages of 75 and 52 years.

Our subject remained at home until reaching his majority, meanwhile, however, engaging in teaching two terms of winter school.  He then worked by the month for his brothers for a period of eight years, and in Sep 1840 was married to Miss Lucinda KINYON, whose birth occurred 12 Mar 1818 in Onondaga County, NY.  She departed this life 15 Jul 1850, in Onondaga County, NY in her 37th year.

The lady whom Mr. CHAFEE took for his second wife was Miss Lucy WATERMAN; she had her birth in Otsego County, NY, and died in Spring Township, Boone County, in her 40th year.   She became the mother of two children, only one of whom is living, Lillie K., now Mrs. E. J. MUNN.  This daughter was born 07 Sep 1855 on the home farm.  The third marriage of Mr. CHAFEE occurred 19 May 1857, at which time Miss Annitia SMITH, who was born in Herkimer County, NY, 12 Nov 1813, became his wife; she was the daughter of Richard and Rachel (WORTH) SMITH, who lived and died in NY.

The first property which our subject owned was a small farm of 20 acres in NY State, which he disposed of in 1852, and came to Spring Township, Boone County, where he purchased a quarter section of partially improved land, for which he paid $14 per acre.  He has since erected all the suitable farm buildings and made of his estate one of the finest in Boone County.  It is thoroughly drained, Mr. CHAFEE having spent $2,000 in laying tile over his farm.  He is engaged in mixed farming, ranking among the well-to-do agriculturalists in this section.

Mr. and Mrs. CHAFEE move in the best circles in their community and are universally respected for their sterling qualities and true neighborly kindness.  In his political relations our subject votes the Republican ticket, having served seven years as Supervisor, as Commissioner of Highways for four years and also on the School Board.   Mr. CHAFEE has a fine education, although he is a graduate from a country district school.  He is a great reader and one of the active workers in educational affairs in the county.  His first Presidential vote was cast for Andrew Jackson, and as before stated, he now votes for Republican candidates.

The adopted son of our subject, George D. CHAFEE, is at present living with him and is part owner in the home farm.  He married Miss Jane, daughter of C. B. LORD, and has a family of three children.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly.