J. S. McCHESNEY.

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         It is doubtful whether any citizen of Wapello stands higher in the respect of the people than J. S. McChesney. For thirty years he has been identified with the coal business in this city and he ranks as one of its most reliable and successful business men. He was born in Mercer county, Illinois, May 11, 1856, a son of J. T. S. and Rebecca (Clark) McChesney, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania and the latter in Ireland. The father learned the cooper’s trade but changed his vocation after arriving in Illinois and engaged for several years in farming in that state. In 1860 he came with his family to Louisa county, Iowa, and purchased a farm of one thousand acres, upon which he established his homestead. He died December 12, 1869, but the mother lived almost forty years longer, being called away in January, 1908. There were five children in the family, namely: John T., who now makes his home in Wapello; Nathan C., who resides in the state of Washington; Ruth, who is the wife of David Stephens, of Louisa county; Margaret J., who married Dr. W. W. Nye, of Hiawatha, Kansas; and J. S.

         Mr. McChesney of this review attended the district schools and as he grew to manhood assisted in work upon the home farm, thus becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of agriculture and stock-raising. At the age of twenty-one he began farming upon one hundred and forty acres which he owned, but four years later he sold his place and engaged in the grocery business in Wayne county, Iowa. After another period of four years he purchased one hundred and eighty acres of land in Louisa county, but later disposed of it and settled at Wapello, engaging in the coal business with which he has since been iden- . . .

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. . . tified. He has for years been known as the principal coal dealer of the state. He keeps in close touch with the markets and as he knows where to purchase and understands the needs of his patrons he rarely fails to give satisfaction.

         On the 15th of October, 1877, Mr. McChesney was married to Miss Emily Mallory, a daughter of Willard and Jane (Hook) Mallory. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Mallory, of whom the following are now living, namely: John B., who makes his home at Los Angeles, California; Mary, who became the wife of Edwin Joy, of San Francisco; Edward, of Lakeside, California; Charles, also of San Francisco; Frank G., of Los Angeles; Emily, who is now Mrs. J. S. McChesney; and William, also of Los Angeles. Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. McChesney: Mary, who married J. B. Cecil, of Wapello; and Gladys, who is living at home.

         Mr. McChesney has been a supporter of the democratic party ever since he cast his first ballot and has taken an active part in local politics. He served as mayor of Wapello for four years, his last term expiring in the fall of 1910. In religious faith he adheres to the Presbyterian church. He has been prominent in fraternal circles for a number of years and is a valued member of the Masonic order, the Odd Fellows, the Woodmen and the Rebekahs. As a public officer he discharged his duties fairly and impartially and as a private citizen he has ever attempted to merit the good-will of his associates and the entire community.