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Below is a family biography included in County of Todd, Kentucky, Historical and Biographical edited by William Henry Perrin and published by F. A. Battey Publishing Co. in 1884.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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THE CHESNUT FAMILY. Among the prominent families who early immigrated to Todd County in the pioneer days, may justly be mentioned the one appearing at the head of this brief sketch. Near the beginning of the present century the widow Chesnut removed from North Carolina to Todd County, Ky., and settled on the Elk Fork of Red River. With her came her sons, Samuel, James, John and Alexander. They were zealous members of the old Seceder Church. Of these sons, Samuel, born in North Carolina, 1793, was a valiant soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1866. His son, William A. Chesnut, was born October 4, 1819, in Princeton, Ky.; removed to Todd County with his parents in 1828, where he married Margaret M., daughter of David N. and Lydia (McElwain) Russell, of this county, where he died January 30, 1879. Mrs. Margaret M. Chestnut was born September 24, 1822, and is still living. Their children are: Lydia A. (deceased), Samuel D., James W. and Martha J. (Burge). Samuel David Chesnut was born August 2, 1857, at the place of his present residence, in Todd County, Ky., where he has all his life retained his residence. He was favored with a fine classical education, and is still an intelligent student of standard works, and the current literature of the day. He is actively engaged in farming and stock-raising, superintending the family homestead of 540 acres of valuable land, which he successfully cultivates. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and also of Cumberland Presbyterian Church. James W. Chesnut, Trenton, is a native of Todd County, where he was born August 20, 1862, and where he has all his life resided. He is the son of William A. and Margaret (Russell) Chesnut. He early obtained a good education, and in the midst of active duties finds time to devote to reading. In 1881, he commenced merchandising in Trenton (firm style Chesnut & Russell) at which he has been fairly successful. He is extensively engaged in the implement trade, and the firm handle a fair proportion of the produce shipped from Trenton. In religion he is a Cumberland Presbyterian, and in politics a Democrat.

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This family biography is one of 200 biographies included in The History of Todd County, Kentucky published in 1884.  For the complete description, click here: Todd County, Kentucky History and Genealogy

View additional Todd County, Kentucky family biographies: Todd County, Kentucky Biographies

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