JOHN T. McCHESNEY.

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         For the past ten years John T. McChesney has been a resident of Wapello where he is enjoying at ease the results of many years of well directed effort. He was born at New Boston, Mercer county, Illinois, December 18, 1842, a son of J. T. S. and Rebecca (Clark) McChesney, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ireland. He settled with his family in Louisa county, Iowa, in 1860, and became the owner of one thousand acres of land. He died in December, 1869. His wife continued to live upon the old home place for many years but was called away in 1908. In their family were five children: John T., of this review; Nathan C., who is now living in the state of Washington; Ruth, who married David Stephens, of Louisa county; Margaret J., the wife of Dr. W. W. Nye, of Kansas; and J. S., of Wapello.

         John T. McChesney received his early education in the district schools and assisted in work upon the home farm until he was twenty years of age, when he began to farm upon the home place on his own account. After a year as an independent farmer he yielded to an irresistible desire to travel and went to Cali- . . .

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. . . fornia, where he remained for eighteen months. He then returned home and established himself upon the old homestead where he remained until 1901, applying himself so successfully that he became the owner of twelve or thirteen hundred acres of good land. Ten years ago he purchased a large lot in Wapello upon which he erected a substantial home of two stories. Here he and his wife have since lived. He has sold all his land except three hundred and twenty acres. He has proved a valuable addition to the community and is always willing to perform his part in the promotion of the highest interests of those with whom he is associated.

         On the 16th of August, 1863, Mr. McChesney was married to Miss Anna Collins, a daughter of John and Mary Ann Collins. The parents were both born in Ireland and spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle. They died when their daughter Anna was quite young. She had one brother, Thomas, who is deceased, and a sister, Emma, who married Edward McCormick, of New York city, and is also deceased.

         Mr. McChesney has ever since he arrived at the age of twenty-one years been a supporter of the democratic party. He has never sought political honors but served very acceptably for fifteen years as township trustee while living on the farm and also as director and treasurer of the school board. His life is a practical illustration of the results of energy and perseverance when they are based upon good judgment. He has been honorable and upright in his dealings and therefore is deeply respected wherever he is known.