Frances Ann McNutt was the 8th and last known child of Alexander McNutt and Rachel Grigsby. She was 5 years, 6 months and 23 days old, when her father died from pneumonia on 29 Mar 1812. She had 1 younger brother and a sister, yet to be born. She married James McChesney, the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston, on 10 Feb 1825 in Rockbridge Co., Virginia.

"Married- On Thursday, February 10, by Rev. J. D. Ewin, Capt. James M'Chesney to Miss Frances, daughter of Mr. Alexander M'Nutt, all of Rockbridge County. The Intelligencer (Lexington, VA.), Friday, 18 Feb 1825, p. 3, c. 4."

They had nine McCHESNEY children, all connected below:

Elizabeth Johnston, 10 May 1826 (Robt. Jos. Echols)
Robert T., 07 Jun 1828 - infant died
Alexander Gallatin, 31 Aug 1829 (Sallie Gatewood Moffett)
Robert A., 30 Jun 1832 - died in the Civil War
Rachel Grigsby, 30 Aug 1834 (Wm McClung Crawford)
Martha Evaline, 25 Oct 1836 (Wm Barclay Moffett)
Frances Ann Louisa, 07 Dec 1838 (Edw Lewis)
Mary Margaret A., 22 Feb 1841 (Edw Lewis)
James Zachariah. 07 Mar 1843 (Lucy Johnson)
(James Z. was born just over 6 months after his father died)

On 21 Aug 1842, her husband was murdered by a lunatic, leaving her a widow with 8 children and one due in about 6 and 1/2 months. History repeats itself. Frances was 5 and a half years old when her father died in 1812 and her mother had one on the way, also.

Frances was a sister of Mississippi Governor, Alexander Gallatin McNutt and a grand niece of Alexander McNutt of Nova Scotia fame. "She was a woman of noted beauty and a great force of character." Following the death of her husband, murdered by a mad man, she "provided them with collegiate advantages and also managed a large plantation."

Rockbridge Co. News public notice dated Dec 1840 for land the McNutt's inherited. James sold his in law's (Rachel Grigsby McNutt's) dower land following her death in Jan 1840. It was formerly Alexander McNutt's who died intestate. James was his executor. He sold the Rockbridge Co. land (about 125 acres) prior to the division of the deceased siblings (Benjamin, Joseph & John) shares were divided amongst all the McNutt siblings. It was sold to John Hamilton, husband of Elizabeth McNutt. Photo of public notice is on James' site. The entire 108 pages are online at the Library of VA.

I have a complete 23 Nov 1848 Virginia newspaper, the Valley Star with the name "E. Paxton" handwritten on the top corner. I assume since I have it, that it belonged to widower Francis McNutt McChesney. It contains an article on her brother, Gov. Alexander G. McNutt (D 22 Oct 1848) and the sale of Alexander T. Barclay's estate (D 4 Sep 1848, married Mary Stuart Moffett).

On the 1850 Dist. 51, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found the 8 year old widow, Frances McChesney, 44; farmer Alexandr J McChesney, 21; Robert McChesney, 18; Rachel G McChesney, 16; Martha A McChesney, 14; Frances A McChesney, 11; Mary M McChesney, 9 and James Z McChesney, 7, all Virginia born. They resided next to James' widowed sister, Ann McChesney McBride.

On the 1850 NE District, Rockbridge Co., Virginia Slave schedule, sadly (widow) Frances A MChesney is listed with 12 slaves, both black and mulatto. I suspect they were owned by her husband who was murdered 8 years ago, in 1842. Males ages 11, 11, 22, 35, 90 and Females ages: 1, 5, 12, 18, 21, 24, and 75. I don't see her with any slaves on the 1860 Slave schedule, when the war began to give them their freedom.

On the 1860 Dist. 6, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found farming Frances A McChesney, 53; Robert McChesney, 27; Mattie E McChesney, 23; Mary M McChesney, 19 and James McChesney, 17, all Virginia born.

Frances Ann McNutt McChesney gave to the New Providence Presbyterian Church, the pulpit Bible that is currently in the History Room, following her brother, Robert McChesney death in 1861. HWH shared.

On the 1870 Walkers Creek, Rockbridge Co., Virginia census, I found F A McChesney, 64; physician Alexandria G McChesney, 41; Sallie galwod McChesney, 32; Mary Archer McChesney, 15; Fannie A McChesney, 13; Lucy B McChesney, 11; Elizabeth J McChesney, 9; Harriet W McChesney, 7; Robt McChesney, 5 and Annie L McChesney, 2, all Virginia born.

Rockbridge Circuit Court, Jan 31st, 1872 suit J. Z. McChesney vs Frances A McChesney, widow of James McChesney (plus her heirs). The object is to have the dower of Mrs. Frances McChesney in the land of James McChesney, dec'd, assigned to her, and to have the lands of James McChesney, dec'd, divided among his heirs at law, and also to have the lands of Robert McChesney, dec'd, divided among his heirs at law.... Non residents of Virginia, included Alex. G McChesney, Prudentia Lewis, Edward Lewis and his wife Mary. Published in the Lexington Gazette (Virginia), Vol 4, #6, dated 2, 9 and 16 Feb, plus 1 Mar 1872 (see photo).

In Mar 1874, she stayed with son James, his wife Lucy and daughter Lila for over 2 weeks in Charleston, WV. They all had bad colds. She wrote a letter to daughter Martha about her visit. She saw a very frail, John Brown preach in Charleston. Daughter Mary McC Lewis was sick, as was Sallie McChesney's baby who was very ill (see photo).

Francis passed away on 20 Aug 1877.

Nov 1877: ADMINISTRATOR'S SALE. I will sell at public auction on Tuesday, 27th Nov, 1877, at the late residence of Mrs. Frances McChesney, dec'd, near Brownsburg, a lot of very desirable Personal Property consisting in part of 12 Horses, 6 fat Cattle, a lot of yearlings and two year old cattle, 5 Calves, 7 Milch Cows, 12 or 13 Sheep, a large lot of Hogs, some of them very fat, one 2-horse and one 4-horse wagon, a lot of Harness, one Carriage, one Buggy, one Cider Mill, Farming Implements, one Mower and one Rake, a large lot of Corn, some 50 or 60 tons of Hay, one set of Blacksmith Tools and Household and Kitchen Furniture. Terms.—As to the fat Cattle and Hogs terms will be made known on day of sale; at to the residue of the property, all sums under $15 cash; that amount and over, a credit will be given of four months. Bonds waiving Homestead and undoubted personal security will be required. Sale will commence at 10 a.m. N. B. McCLUER, D. S. for W. F. Johnston, S. R. C., and as such Adm'r with the will annexed of Mrs. Frances McChesney, dec'd. Nov. 16, 1877—tds. Published in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 8, #48, dated 23 Nov 1877.

Apr 1878: VIRGINIA.—In the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Rockbridge, March 12,1878: William F. Johnston, Sheriff of Rockbridge county, and as such Adm'r c. t. a. of Frances A McChesney, dec'd,…….Plaintiff, AGAINST
William F. Crawford and Rachel his wife, Frances Crawford and James Crawford, Jas. M. Jordan and Frances McC. his wife, R. B. Watts and Elizabeth his wife, Prudentia W. Lewis, Edward Lewis and Mary M. his wife, and Frances Lewis, A. H. Hamilton and Mary A. his wife, Lucy Boyd McChesney, Fannie A. McChesney, Elizabeth J. McChesney, Harry M. McChesney, Robert McChesney, Anna McChesney, Adam McChesney, and Hugh B. G. McChesney, Wm. B. Moffett and Martha E. his wife, Jas. Moffett, Frances B. Moffett, and James Z. McChesney,...Defendants
The object of this suit is to obtain a decree construing the Will of Frances A. McChesney, dec'd, and ascertaining and determining the rights of the parties thereunder and to secure for the plaintiff the aid of the Court in administering the fund. And it appearing by affidavit filed in this cause that the defendants, James Z. McChesney, Fannie A, McChesney, Elizabeth J. McChesney, Harry M. McChesney, Robert McChesney, Anna McChesney, Adam McChesney and Hugh B. McChesney, Prudentia Lewis, Edward Lewis and Mary M. his wife, and Francis Lewis, are not residents of this State, on motion of the plaintiff, by counsel, it is ordered that said non-resident defendants do appear here within one month after due publication of this order and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this suit. Teste: JOHN C. BOUDE, Clerk. Steele & Houston, p. q. March 15,1878.—$11. Published in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 9, #15, dated 5 Apr 1878 (1 of 2).

Apr 1878: VIRGINIA.—In the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court of Rockbridge, March 19,1878: William B. Moffett and Martha E. his wife, Plaintiffs AGAINST William F. Johnston, Sheriff of Rockbridge County, and as such Administrator c. t. a. of Frances A. McChesney, dec'd, Sally G. McChesney, Frances A McChesney, Lucy Boyd McChesney, Elizabeth J. McChesney, Harry N. McChesney, Robert McChesney, Anna McChesney, Adam McChesney, and Hugh Blair Grigsby McChesney, A. H. Hamilton and Mary A, his wife, William Crawford and Rachel his wife, Prudentia W. Lewis, Edward Lewis and Mary M. his wife, James M. Jordan and Frances McC. his wife, R. D. Watts and Elizabeth C. his wife and James Z. McChesney,...Defendants
The object of this suit is to have partition made among the parties entitled: 1st. of the lands of which Frances A. McChesney died seized, and devised by her last will and testament—2nd. of the lands which descended to the heirs of James McChesney, dec'd, and which are still owned by them, and 3rd. of the lands of which Robert McChesney died seized, and in the event that the said lands, or any part of them, are not susceptible of partition, to pause the same to be sold and the proceeds to be divided among the parties according to their respective rights and interests. And it appearing from affidavit made in this cause, that the defendants, Sally G. McChesney, Frances A. McChesney, Lucy Boyd McChesney, Elizabeth J. McChesney, Harry M. McChesney, Robert McChesney, Anna McChesney, Adam McChesney and Hugh Blair Grigsby McChesney, Prudentia W. Lewis, Edward Lewis and Mary M. his wife, and James Z. McChesney are not residents of this State, on motion of the plaintiffs by counsel, it is ordered that said non-resident defendants do appear here within one month after due publication of this order, and do what is necessary to protect their interests in this suit. A copy—teste: . JOHN C. BOUDE, Clerk. Anderson & Edmondson, and Chas. A. Davidson, p. q. March 22,1878 4t prin. fee, $13 75. Published in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 9, #15, dated 5 Apr 1878 (2 of 2).

Jun 1878: Legal Notices. Commissioner's Notice. Frances A. McChesney's Adm'r .....Plaintiff against Frances A. McChesney's Legatees.....Deft's. The above named cause having been referred to the undersigned Commissioner in Chancery to take the following accounts, viz : 1st. An account of the real estate of which the testatrix, Frances A. McChesney, died seized, and of its fee simple value: 2nd. An account of the Personal Estate of which said testatrix died possessed, and of the administration thereof by the Plaintiff; 3rd. An account of the transactions of the testatrix, Frances A. McChesney, and of the balances, if any, remaining due and unpaid to any of her children, from her as their Guardlan; 4th. An account of all other demands against the estate of the testatrix, to be stated in the order of their priorities; 8th. An account of the debt of Alexander G. McChesney, for which Wm. B. Moffett is bound as surety, referred to in the will of the testatrix, and of the properties that has been paid by the sale of said Wm. B. Moffett's real estate. He hereby notifies the parties to the above cause and all others interested that be has appointed. Monday, 24t day of June, 1878, at his office in Lexington to take said accounts. And he further notifies and requires all persons having any claims against the estate of the said Frances A. McChesney, dec'd, to come in and prove the same before him on or before 24th of June, 1878, or in default thereof to be debarred the benefit of this decree. FRANCIS W. HENDERSON, Commissioner in Chancery. May 24,1878—4t. $10.50. Published in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 9, #25, dated 14 Jun 1878 (see photo).

The Frances McChesney farm, containing 328 acres of choice land, in the vicinity of Brownsburg, has been sold by the executor of the W. B. Moffett estate (her son in law), F. S. McClure, to J.W. Churchman and T. C. Dikinson, of Augusta county, and J. H. McClure for $6,500. Per Highland Recorder, 30 Jan 1903, plus similar in the Old Dominion, on the same day.

I found an original "Lynchburg," VA cancelled & stamped (August 5th, 10 cents, Confederate States of America) envelope address to Mrs. F.A. McChesney, Brownsburg, VA, for sale for $250. at http://www.jlkstamps.com/covers/va/va2370.htm, where it's suspected to be from one of her 3 sons serving in the war (see site). It has an unusual violet postmark, it was cancelled after Apr 1863 issue to 1864 (based on this stamp). The Confederate Post service ended Apr 1865. Photo "Image courtesy of John L. Kimbrough, CSA Stamps and Postal History, www.csastamps.com."

The Library of Virginia holds the Papers of the McChesney Family. Legal papers, 1839-1875, include documents relating to the McChesney family. There is an indenture, February 16, 1844, between Isaac and Nancy M. Hall and Zachariah J. McChesney concerning a certain tract of land in Augusta County to be held in trust for Frances A. McChesney

Her marker is beside her daughter Elizabeth J. McChesney Echol's towering monument.

Her gravestone has been cleaned and hard to believe it's the same one I photographed in April 1990. Then, it was darkened and hard to read.

"Mrs. Frances McNutt McChesney was a woman of remark­able energy and ability, and conducted her affairs so well, after her husband's death, which occurred when she was thirty-six years of age, that she was enabled to bring up and educate her large family most successfully. Her fine old homestead, Woodlawn, with its handsomely carved woodwork and majestic grounds, remains in a perfect state of preservation to the present day. Frances Ann McChesney died August 20, 1877." Per Henrietta Hamilton McCormick's Genealogies and Reminiscences, Chicago, 1897, p 95.

2015, My "researched and written by LSP" Bio was temporarily REMOVED, after it was STOLEN by Kimberly Louise Fraser on Geni (dot com) WITHOUT my permission. She even copied, "not to copy it." She also stole a photo posted on this page that says do NOT duplicate. This is unacceptable. Kimberly's "Current Location:: Toronto, Toronto Division, Ontario, Canada. Immediate Family: Daughter of Fraser and Fraser Dobson (Buswell) Sister of Gale Cameron Fraser, Half sister of Dobson, Last Updated: May 9, 2015". This has become too common a practice.

Her obit was not located with my sources.

Inscription: Her gravestone says:
FRANCES A.
Wife of
CAPT. JAMES McCHESNEY
BORN
Sept. 6, 1806,
DIED
Aug. 20, 1877.
Aged 71 Years.
-----
"Asleep in Jesus."

Bio researched and written by LSP (NOT by Findagrave). Pls contact me for written permission to use my data and my photos from this site.