1779-1872
Rebecca DENTON was born on 28 Aug 1779. Died in 1872 in Fanning CO, GA. She married Benjamin CHASTAIN on 30 Jan 1798 in Pendleton District, SC. Benjamin CHASTAIN was born on 6 Jul 1780 in Washington CO, TN. Died in 1845 in Fannin CO, GA. Benjamin was born on the land his father patented in 1782. He moved with his father's family to South Carolina where they are found in Pendleton District SC in the 1790 Census. Benjamin moved his family to Habersham CO, GA. In 1821 he was sworn in as one of the Justices of the Peace of Habersham CO. The town of Clarkesville was officially incorporated and made the county seat on Nov. 26, 1823. Benjamin Chastain and Benjamin Cleveland conveyed 32 acres (land lots number 2 and 19) to the Justices of the Inferior Court and the town was laid out and sold lots to its first inhabitants. In 1826, Benjamin represented Habersham CO in the Georgia House of Representatives, beginning a long period of public service by himself and his five sons. He served in the House from 1826 through 1834 and as Justice of the Inferior Court 1821-1825, 1829 and 1833-35. By 1834 he had moved his family to Gilmer CO, GA and settled on the Toccoa River. During the year of 1826, he served as an agent of Indian Affairs. The following letter attests to that fact: "Elijay Decr. 19th Sirs: Yours of the 4th instant is now before me and the contents noticed in answer I would say that Benjamin Chastain did exercise the duties of agent during the year 1836. But his being situated in a remote part of the County I know but little of his actings. For the last year there has been no agent in this county. On inquiring for some person who would be willing to serve as agent and who at the same time would be relied on for the faithful discharge of said office I am urged upon by my friends to recommend to your notice Benjamin M. Griffith who is my son and feeling a delicacy in doing so, in consequence of the relation I refer you to the next page." (The reply:) "B. Griffith Georgia, Gilmer County. We take a pleasure in recommending to his Excellency George R. Gilmer, Benjamin M. Griffith as a fit and suitable person the States agent of this County Decr. 19th 1837." Benjamin Chastain is buried at the Antioch Baptist Cemetery in Fannin CO. Rebecca is buried next to him. Benjamin and Rebecca Denton Chastain must have raised their children to be aware of and active in their community, religious and political affairs. One son was a preacher, two of their daughters married preachers, a third married the son of a preacher, and all six sons were active in some extent in the political arenas of their particular counties. They had the following children: Mary CHASTAIN
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