J. WORTH McCHESNEY was born in Caldwell County, November 23, 1850, and is a son of J. H. and Eleanor J. (Milliken) McChesney. His father was born in Caldwell County; September 27, 1814, and is still living here. His grandfather, Walter McChesney, who was born in Virginia, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and came to this county when a young man. J. W. is the eldest of thirteen children, of whom eleven are now living, four sons and seven daughters. His education was received mainly in this county. He also attended the college at Carbondale, Ill., and Stonewall College, Cross Plains, Tenn. On his return home he entered upon the profession of teaching, which he followed for over twelve years, his last school being at Rural Academy. In February, 1882, he came to Fredonia, and entered into partnership with J. A. Garner, in the general merchandise business. Mr. McChesney was married on September 24, 1879, to Miss Lucy Garner, daughter of J. A. and Mary (Wigginton) Garner. She died June 19, 1881. They had one child, born June 8, 1881, and died September, 2, 1881. Mr. McChesney is at present operator at Fredonia for the Cumberland & Ohio River Telephone Company, and is also treasurer of the organization. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and of Dogwood Lodge, No. 771, I. O. G. T.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 707.