Pg 423

         JAMES T. S. McCHESNEY, deceased, was one of the leading farmers of Louisa County. He was born in 1818, in Westmoreland County, Pa., and went with his parents to Trumbull County, Ohio, where they resided until 1836, when they became residents of Warren County, Ill., which continued to be their home for about two years. At the expiration of that time they removed to Mercer County, settling near Viola, where our subject was united in marriage with Rebecca Clark, a native of Ireland. In his youth he had learned the cooper’s trade, and followed that occupation until about 1849. The following year he purchased 160 acres of land, situated four miles north of New Boston, Ill., and there engaged in farming until the spring of 1860, when he became a resident of Louisa County. He here purchased 290 acres of land on section 9, 10 and 16 of Jefferson Township, which was only partially improved. He immediately began the cultivation of his farm, and made it his home until his death, which occurred Dec. 12, 1870; his . . .

Pg 424

. . . widow still survives him. Mr. McChesney had added to his original possessions until he owned 1,000 acres of land. He was a Democrat in politics, and one of the progressive farmers of Louisa County.

Mr. and Mrs. McChesney reared a family of five children: John, the eldest, is a farmer of Jefferson Township; Nathan is engaged in farming in Harrison County, Mo., Ruth is the wife of David Stephen, of Port Louisa Township; Jane wedded W. W. Nye, a physician of Hiawatha, Kan.; and James is a farmer of Grand View Township.

John T. McChesney, who is engaged in farming in Jefferson Township, was born in Mercer county, Ill., Dec. 18, 1842, and was there reared upon a farm, receiving his education in the district schools. He came with his parents to Louisa County in 1860, and in August, 1863, was united in marriage with Anna Collins, a native of Ireland. In 1867 Mr. McChesney purchased eighty acres of land, to which farm he at once moved. He has since added to his original purchase until he is now the owner of 1,225 acres, which pay a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, one of the leading men of Jefferson Township, and to such citizens Louisa County owes much of her prosperity. He has held the office of Township Trustee for ten years, and in politics is a Democrat.

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McChesney: Addie, a graduate of the State Normal, is a teacher of Louisa County, and resides at home; Emery, James, Florence, John, George and Lee are all yet at home.