Biographical Sketch of

Reverend James H. McChesney

Transcribed by Christy Janke

Source: Memorial and Biographical Record and Illustrated Compendium of Biography of Citizens of Columbia, 
Sauk and Adams Counties, Wisconsin, published 1901 by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1901, Pages 259 - 260

Reverend James H. McChesney, an aged resident of the township of New Chester, has a very comfortable home on 
section 4 near the postoffice of Grand Marsh, and commands the respect and veneration of a wide circle of 
friends and neighbors. He was born at Newark, New Jersey, February 12, 1825, and has lived a long and active life.

James McChesney, the father of the subject of this writing, was born in county Monaghan, Ireland, June 4, 1798, 
and came to the United States when about seventeen years old. When he was three years older he traveled through 
the country with Lorenzo Dow and Francis Williams, preaching the gospel at country school houses, and any place 
where a congregation could be gathered. A little later he became associated with D. D. Beach in the publication 
of a religious paper with an office in New York City. He was engaged in his work for many years, and when he 
reached the mature age of forty-two was ordained a minister in Dr. Wallace's church in New York. He had various 
settlements and after several years brought up in Glenn Ellyn, Illinois, where he was one of thirteen to organize 
the Chicago Congregational Association. His pure character, lofty soul and loving spirit commanded reverence and 
esteem, and in whatever work he was engaged his sterling worth was at once recognized. He died at Glenn Ellyn when 
over ninety-six. He was married to Matilda Davis, April 4, 1824. She was born at Hempstead Harbor Long Island, 
New York, April 4, 1806, and proved herself in every way a worthy associate of her husband.

The Reverend James H. McChesney, the subject of this writing, lived with his parents until he was twenty-five years 
old. He studied much and read deeply and wisely under his father's direction. In 1850 he left home and went to 
Sparta, Wisconsin, where he remained for some four years. At that time he moved to Adams coounty, and secured a 
home in New Chester, where he has continued to reside to the present time. He was ordained a minister of the gospel
in 1869 at Westfield, Marquette county, in the Congregational church. He preached for over thirty years and owned 
a farm in the meantime. He is still called upon to officiate at the funeral services of the old residents, and has 
tender and touching words for those with whom he has been so closely associated for so many years. He was married 
to Mary B. Hull, April 3, 1945, in the city of Brooklyn. She is a native of the city of New York, where she was born 
November 8, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. McChesney are the parents of eleven children. Three of these died in infancy. those 
now living are: Josephine May, Margaret M., Jane E., Samuel, Joseph, James J., Mark H., and Myrtle A. It is a goodly 
family, and all its members have won a good standing in the great world. Their venerable father is much revered and 
loved, and he is still the center of their thoughts and ambitions.


Transcribed by Christy Janke





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