James A Chestnut

CHESTNUT

Posted By: Mary E Boyer (email)
Date: 11/30/2006 at 00:15:31

BIOGRAPHY OF JAMES A CHESTNUT
Pioneers of Marion County - Pages 223 - 224
Red Rock Township - Marion County - Iowa

Among other early citizens of Red Rock, still well remembered by most of the old settlers, was James A. Chestnut whose name, it may be remembered, appears in the list of first grand jurors. He was born in Ireland, February 1, 1803; came to America with his parents at the age of two years, landing at New York. From thence he came to Indiana; from thence to Iowa in ‘41, and settled in Van Buren county, where he remained for a short time; then moved to Mahaska county and took a claim precisely where Oskaloosa now is. But, not foreseeing the value this land would ultimately attain to, and, like many others, thinking the lands along the river would always be worth much more than the high prairie, he sold this claim, and settled at the head of White Breast Prairie, where the old Ewing farm now is.

After a short residence here he went to Lee county, where he remained a year; then returned and settled in Red Rock village in ‘48. In the spring following he went to California where he remained nearly two years. On his way home he contracted the cholera at New Orleans, and died at Natchez.

Mr. Chestnut was known as a worthy citizen, and for some time a class leader in the M. E. Church. His widow remained at Red Rock till very recently, when she went to Missouri with one of her sons.

Transcribed by Mary E. Boyer for Iowa Gen Project - Pioneers of Marion County (of no relation)