John H. Chestney

by


Referred to variously (aka Mc Chesney), Albany resident John H. Chestney is said to have been born in Albany in 1775. Thus, he would have been the fifth child of Hugh and Johanna Plumb Mc Chestney who emigrated from Ireland during the 1760s. In 1790, "Hugh Mc Chesney's" large family was configured on the census for Rensselaerswyck along with two other households headed by men named "John Mc Chesney." In 1809, these Mc Chesneys were identified among the prominent residents of Brunswick in Rensselaer County.

In August 1796, John married Albany native Rebecca Hoghkerk at the Albany Dutch church. However, subsequent children were christened at the Albany Presbyterian church.

In 1799, John owned a lot in the second ward. In 1800, his first ward household was configured on the census next to that of Rebecca's widowed mother.

John H. Chestney was a carpenter and among the founding members of the Albany Mechanics Society. We have not yet connected him to contemporary chairmaker James Chesney. John and his family lived on South Pearl then North Pearl at least until 1820.

Although John is said to have died in 1835, we seek information on his later life then passing.


biography in-progress


notes

the people of colonial Albany Sources: The life of John H. Chestney is CAP biography number 7600. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.




first posted: 8/10/11