Capt. James McChesney was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston. He served in the War of 1812 in McDowell's Virginia Militia. He married Francis Ann McNutt on 10 Feb 1825 in Rockbridge Co., Virginia.
He was murdered by a lunatic and blacksmith, Reed "who went violently crazy, murdered his wife and children shut up in a room in his house, and McChesney who heard their cries and entered the room by a window - a terrible massacre." (The McChesney's of Virginia manuscript compiled by Katherine E. Schultz, page 41.)
They had 9 known McChesney children, all connected below:
Elizabeth Johnston, 10 May 1826 (R J Echols)
Robert, 7 Jun 1828 - 18 Jun 1828
Alexander Gallatin, 31 Aug 1829 - 19 May 1877
Robert A, 30 Jun 1832 - 29 Jun 1861
Rachel Grigsby, 30 Aug 1834 (Wm McC Crawford)
Martha Evaline, 25 Oct 1836 (Wm B Moffett)
Frances Ann Louisa, 7 Dec 1838 (Edw Lewis)
Mary Margaret A, 22 Feb 1841 (Edw Lewis) in WV
James Zechariah, 7 Mar 1843 (Lucy Johnson)
Dec 1832: At a meeting of the citizens of Brownsburg and its vicinity, friendly to the election of Henry Clay, Esq. as the next president of the United States, Capt. JAMES McCHESNEY was elected Chairman, and James M Beard Secretary of the meeting. Richmond Whig and Commercial Journal, Volume 6, Number 134, 15 December 1831 and Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831. .....7th Resolved, JAMES McCHESNEY, A. B. Walker and Preston Trotters, esqrs. To be a committee of representation appointed to represent the members of this meeting in that o' Lexington…and that they are hereby authorized by us. To vote in ur behalf fro such candidate or candidates to attend the Baltimore convention….and to promote the nomination of Henry Clay. Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831.
James was murdered by a lunatic while trying to help the man's family. He was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston, who are buried nearby. I was surprised I could not find a Coroners Report on this incident at the court house or various VA institutions, after repeated tries. I later found it elsewhere. A typed verion of The Homicides of Adults in Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1778 - 1900, has many details about the fatal incident.
On 12 Mar 1834, James McChesney purchased William Steele's lot in deed book T, 185.
1838: My family passed down to me a Wednesday, 3 Jan 1838, Vol. II, #1, complete copy of the Philadelphia paper, Alexander's Weekly Messenger. It says J. McChesney on the top right. I have another old 1848 newspaper and it also has someone's name on it, suspecting it was home delivered to him. I have yet to figure out what was so important in this old paper. The front page has "Portraits of Distinguished Public Men and part of the right side is taped and a small part cut off. I'm assuming this page was of interest to him. James would die about 4 3/4 years later, so he must have handled it.
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 this site. The entire 108 pages are online at the Library of VA.
His father's 1839 will was probated in 1842 and left James the "plantation where he dwells purchased from Jno Grimm & Wm Cowman, about 400 acres, also the shares John & Andrew heretofore given to him and now in his possession, horses, other stock & farming utensils given to him, $100, & a small track of mountain land in possession of Jno Grow."
In 1848 Rockbridge County Chancery Records, I found a suit called Administrator of Jas McChesney vs Admin. of John Temple, over $35.48 that amounted to over 10 times that much. "In the month of August 1842 the said Jas McChesney died intestate (p 6). James' cousin, George W. McChesney was bonded on his behalf and Andrew Patterson represented him. 107 pages. Page 78 document says 12 Mar 1839, John Temple signed bond he owed $102.88 to Geo W McChesney & 12 Mar 1839, J. McChesney's one cow is included as payment (I think).
The Lib of VA's 1936 WPA report #ROC 338, for Ezra Huffman by Jas W McClung, says that the brick home was built in abt. 1750 by Jas McChesney. This particular home would have belonged to the brother of this James McChesney's includes 1936 photo, land purchased from Benj Borden, sold it to Jas Sproul 3 Aug 1784, then to J Young, M SC Clark, J Brownlee, J Ludwick to Ezra G Huffman, and to EA Swope. Deed book A456; C141; W157; Z181, Y 401; OO-102; 22-437; Will book 28-405; Deed Book: 157-95 and 162-473. Rectangular shape home, with small "L" to rear cellar; gabled and shingled roof; 3 chimneys: 1 at each end & 1 to the "L"; pine lumbar cornices; 10 windows - 3 up/3 down double sash; single story porch w 6" square posts; 4 panel front door; single flight stairs; old pine plank floor 3-7" wide; slightly carved pine mantels; 3' pine wainscoting; no remodeling; in very good condition.
The Library of VA has a photo of McChesney's second home, also taken in 1936, from the Works Progress Administration Survey, by James W.McClung. It's called the "Old W. B. Moffett Home" dated 10 June 1936. It's on the NW side of Route 726 in Rockbridge Co., VA. It's a 3 story brick home; with gabled roof, exterior brick chimneys at either end (Rockbridge I House); 15 windows (6 up/6 down, double sash); rooms: 8 large & 6 small; two flight stairway: walnut; newel & balusters; 7" pine blanked floor; walnut hand carved mantels; and a small porch. The survey says he built it in 1834. The custom of the day was to build on top of the previous home. His granddaughter Martha and her husband resided there for some years. His great granddaughter Martha, contributed data for the survey for free but it costs $100.00 today to use the Library of VA. 1936 photo. (/VHI/P/24/0325.jpg).
CONTENTS BELOW has some GRAPHIC DETAILS of the tragedy:
Lexington GAZETTE 25 Aug 1842: suspected of insanity "for some time." "He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its scull against the bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they re alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney . . . got up and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied, that he did not know, a l(e)tter was brought to convey him home." d. 4pm that day. "P. S. Since the above was written, we have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead; but little hope is entertained of their lives."
26 Aug 1842, a personal account of what happened by unnamed author: Mr. Harper—I noticed in your paper of the 25th inst., a short account of the melancholy affair which occurred near this place, on Sunday last, the 2lst.—which is so far from being correct, that l have been induced to give you a brief sketch of the whole affair, an near as my recollection will serve me. This unfortunate man, (Reed.) was noticed for some days previous to Sunday, to be laboring under mental derangement, but no apprehension was anticipated of his doing any injury, as lie was a very peaceable, well behaved, and industrious man. Early on Sunday morning, he was at the house of Mrs. McBride,** but showed no signs of his malignant disposition there; he remained there but a short time—and from there went, home, about a quarter of a mile distant, and commenced his work of desperation on his wife with a stick, and I have no doubt with the intention of killing her. He knocked her down and cut her head severely in several places, but not dangerously. There was a young man present who had been living with them, who Mrs. Reed motioned to, to take away the gun. At the time Reed was heating her, she told him, (Reed) that Sweet was running off with the gun; he immediately took after him, and by that means she made her escape to Mrs. McBride's. As soon as the alarm was raised, some few persons repaired to the spot; by the time they had reached the house, Reed had prepared himself with a bar of iron, weighing about 18 pounds, which he seemed to wield with superhuman strength, and placed himself in the upper porch of the house, the stairs going from lire floor of the lower porch, one of the best positions he could possibly have selected for his defence (sic). He had managed to get his children up stairs; the eldest, however, was probably not entirely up on the porch, until he made a pass at her with the bar of iron, but did not succeed in striking her a mortal blow, and only knocked her off the porch, which did not much injure her. He then went into the room up stairs, where his two younger children were, and struck the eldest of the two a severe blow, and then carried it out, and threw it some 15 or 20 steps down in front of the house; the younger one, a little boy about 2 1/2 years old, he served in the same way. They are still living,* but little hope of their recovery. About this time several persons had arrived as the house, and some 20 or 30 before Capt. McChesney came. He, like others, asked Reed to throw down the iron, and said to him that it was his iron, and he wanted to take it home. Reed replied that he did not want his iron, on Sunday, and refused to give it up. All persons present seemed at a loss to know what course to pursue, as it was evident some person was to be hurt or probably killed in taking him — and a strong feeling prevailed to try and take him, without doing him any serious injury. After we had been on the ground some time, endeavoring to adopt some plan to secure him, and without coming to any definite one — Capt. McChesney and some 3 or 4 other, got into the lower part of the house at a back window, with sticks, &c (means etc.) for the purpose of trying to scare him off the porch, by knocking up the floor of the porch and house. This plan seemed to alarm him so much that he did leap off the end of the porch with the iron in his hand, his jumping down some 10 or 12' did not seem to impede his movements in the least. No person being near enough to do anything — but expecting him to jump down — he ran a few steps from the end of the porch where he leaped off, then turned his course along the front of the house, for some distance, making at who ever was nearest him. He however soon turned his course, and made towards the house.— Capt. McChesney and the _?_ (men?) who had previously been in the house, came out on the porch when Reed jumped down. When they saw Reed making towards the house, Capt. McChesney and a man by the name of Jarvis ran into the house. Jarvis got out of the back window, and I have no doubt, that Capt. McChesney had intended making his escape through the window also, but Reed was in the house before he succeeded in doing so. He then saw the critical situation in which he was placed, and made an effort to escape through the door when he received the mortal and unfortunate blow, as he was lying across the door, not more than 2 feet from it, when he was first discovered by 2 persons who ran to the back window and saw him lying on the floor. As soon as they saw him, they kicked out the sash and leaped in, and one them sprung at Reed and secured him, with several other, who, by this time had got in at he door. Reed had placed himself when he entered the house, immediately at the side of the door, where he had ever opportunity of killing any person that would attempt entering. A young man was knocked down in attempting to go in, and would no doubt have been killed, had he not have been dragged away by some person on the outside. I will here state what I probably should have done before, that I do not believe the any man, or set of men, could have gone up the stairs without being killed, as it seemed to be his full determination to kill the 1st man who attempted it. I think it proper here to state, that I do believe it was a moral impossibility to have save the life of Capt. McChesney, as no person was aware that he was in the house until he was seen lying on the floor from the back window, and then it was too late — The whole affair having been done so quick that there was no time for reflection by any one. He spoke a few words after he was carried out, and died in about 4 hours. Capt. McChesney was a most worthy and excellent citizen, a kind husband, and a most indulgent parent. Reed is now in Rockbridge Jail, and seems perfectly conscious of the crimes he has committed. (Written by:) *One who was present. P. S. — Since writing the above one of the children has died. For the Spectator. Brownsburg, dated August 26, 1842. Plus it was in the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser, Vol 19, #42, dated 8 Sept 1842.
Dreadful.—A most horrible affair occurred in me neighborhood of Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, on Sunday last. A man named John Reed, a blacksmith by trade, who had been observed to he laboring under mental derangement tor some days before, made an attack upon his wife and eldest daughter, with a bar of iron, no doubt with the intention o! killing them, but they succeeded in making their escape. He then caught two of his younger children, ne of whom he killed; and the other though shockingly mangled is still living. About this time Capt. James McChesney, of Brownsburg, who happened to be riding by in company with another gentleman attracted by the noise, attempted to enter the house, but was immediately felled by the infuriated maniac with the bar of iron, and his skuIl so fractured that he died in about two hours. Capt M'C. was a most worthy man, and has left a wife a family of children. Reed has been lodged in the Rockbridge jail for safe-keeping. Staunton (Va.) Spectator. The Alexandria Gazette, Vol. 42, #207, dated 30 Aug 1842, p 3 (see photo) and in the 25 Aug 1842 issue of the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser.
3 Sep 1842: MOST DISTRESSING AND HEARTRENDING OCCURRENCE. From the Lexington Gazette, August 25: We have rarely been more more deeply pained than we were at the relation of the casualty we are about to record, which took place in our own county, on Sunday last, in the vicinity of Brownsburg. A man by the name of Reid, a blacksmith and overseer for Mrs. McBride, who has been for some time past, we believe suspected of insanity, commenced on Sunday morning a work of destruction at which the imagination recoils in horror. He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its soul; against a bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they are alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull (sic) was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney we are told got up and walked to the spring and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied that he did not know; a litter was brought to convey him home, where he died about 4 o'clock on the same day. Capt. McChesney has left a wife, with a large family and numerous friends and acquaintances (sic) to mourn over his sudden and distressing death. The author of this bloody tragedy is now confined in our jail. P.S. Since the above was written. We have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead, but little hope is entertained of their lives. Leesburg Genius of Liberty, Vol 26, #36, 3 Sept 1842 (photo on sister Ann McC McBride's site).
**Note: Could the above "Mrs. McBride" have been Frances McChesney McBride (1799 - 1872), the sister of James McChesney?
Lexington Gazette and Citizen, 5/7/1875: JM "a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor" [Reid] "had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up." McC "tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChestney and sympathy for the dreadfully helpless condition of a defenceless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb [in the churchyard at New Providence] will ever be viewed . . . with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous men who ever lived." Article says that several of Reid's family died in the assault, but no specifics as to who.
My personal bio for James McChesney, wife Frances Ann McNutt McChesney and son Alexander Gallatin McChesney, plus others were STOLEN by Chelsea Weal Hodge on her Geni (dot com) page. She's the "Daughter of Bruce Hodge and Elizabeth Weal" and it says it was "Last Updated: February 10, 2015. She used SMART COPY to duplicate it and it even says Reseach(ed) and written by LSP. Request permission to reprint. " Also stolen were my personal photos and data on other family members. Permission was NEVER requested and NEVER given. This is my protest.
Blacksmith Reid, his wife and two children appear not to have been given formal first names in existing records. I also did not locate records of any Reids dying in 1842 in local records. Mrs. Ann J McBride was listed on page 10 of the 1840 Lexington, VA census. On the same page were John Reid (males 20-29, 1 10-14; females 2 under 5 and 1 20-29). Page 11, listed Andrew Reed and Christopher Reed. Page 9 had none.
In a family land division at public auction, it was discovered that James owned land in Nelson Co., Virginia. The sale of James and Robert McChesney's land with some details was involved, at this late date. Follow the court case to discover the rest of the story. "....the tract of land of which James McChesney died seized, lying in Nelson county and containing _?_ acres... Per the Lexington Gazette, Vol 11, #35, dated 19 Aug 1880.
His worn gravestone transcription is below. The gothic looking top of his tablet marker is elegant and beautifully carved. I have not seen one like it before.
…"There are still two other grave, the occupants of which are associated with incidents so memorable that we may hope, to be pardoned for further transgressing upon the patience of our readers in connection with this subject. The first is that of JAMES McCHESTNEY (sic), died August 21st, 1842. Mr. McChestney was a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor by the name of Reid—a blacksmith by trade—had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up. McChestney tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChes tney and sympathy for the; dreadfully helpless condition of a defenseless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb will ever be viewed by those who visit it with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous man who ever lived…". Part of a long article in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 7, #19, dated 7 May 1875 (see photo on his SON, JAMES' connected site).
Bio researched and written by LSP. Do not reprint or copy this or my photos in any form without written permission. This was NOT written by Findagrave.
He was murdered by a lunatic and blacksmith, Reed "who went violently crazy, murdered his wife and children shut up in a room in his house, and McChesney who heard their cries and entered the room by a window - a terrible massacre." (The McChesney's of Virginia manuscript compiled by Katherine E. Schultz, page 41.)
They had 9 known McChesney children, all connected below:
Elizabeth Johnston, 10 May 1826 (R J Echols)
Robert, 7 Jun 1828 - 18 Jun 1828
Alexander Gallatin, 31 Aug 1829 - 19 May 1877
Robert A, 30 Jun 1832 - 29 Jun 1861
Rachel Grigsby, 30 Aug 1834 (Wm McC Crawford)
Martha Evaline, 25 Oct 1836 (Wm B Moffett)
Frances Ann Louisa, 7 Dec 1838 (Edw Lewis)
Mary Margaret A, 22 Feb 1841 (Edw Lewis) in WV
James Zechariah, 7 Mar 1843 (Lucy Johnson)
Dec 1832: At a meeting of the citizens of Brownsburg and its vicinity, friendly to the election of Henry Clay, Esq. as the next president of the United States, Capt. JAMES McCHESNEY was elected Chairman, and James M Beard Secretary of the meeting. Richmond Whig and Commercial Journal, Volume 6, Number 134, 15 December 1831 and Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831. .....7th Resolved, JAMES McCHESNEY, A. B. Walker and Preston Trotters, esqrs. To be a committee of representation appointed to represent the members of this meeting in that o' Lexington…and that they are hereby authorized by us. To vote in ur behalf fro such candidate or candidates to attend the Baltimore convention….and to promote the nomination of Henry Clay. Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831.
James was murdered by a lunatic while trying to help the man's family. He was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston, who are buried nearby. I was surprised I could not find a Coroners Report on this incident at the court house or various VA institutions, after repeated tries. I later found it elsewhere. A typed verion of The Homicides of Adults in Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1778 - 1900, has many details about the fatal incident.
On 12 Mar 1834, James McChesney purchased William Steele's lot in deed book T, 185.
1838: My family passed down to me a Wednesday, 3 Jan 1838, Vol. II, #1, complete copy of the Philadelphia paper, Alexander's Weekly Messenger. It says J. McChesney on the top right. I have another old 1848 newspaper and it also has someone's name on it, suspecting it was home delivered to him. I have yet to figure out what was so important in this old paper. The front page has "Portraits of Distinguished Public Men and part of the right side is taped and a small part cut off. I'm assuming this page was of interest to him. James would die about 4 3/4 years later, so he must have handled it.
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 this site. The entire 108 pages are online at the Library of VA.
His father's 1839 will was probated in 1842 and left James the "plantation where he dwells purchased from Jno Grimm & Wm Cowman, about 400 acres, also the shares John & Andrew heretofore given to him and now in his possession, horses, other stock & farming utensils given to him, $100, & a small track of mountain land in possession of Jno Grow."
In 1848 Rockbridge County Chancery Records, I found a suit called Administrator of Jas McChesney vs Admin. of John Temple, over $35.48 that amounted to over 10 times that much. "In the month of August 1842 the said Jas McChesney died intestate (p 6). James' cousin, George W. McChesney was bonded on his behalf and Andrew Patterson represented him. 107 pages. Page 78 document says 12 Mar 1839, John Temple signed bond he owed $102.88 to Geo W McChesney & 12 Mar 1839, J. McChesney's one cow is included as payment (I think).
The Lib of VA's 1936 WPA report #ROC 338, for Ezra Huffman by Jas W McClung, says that the brick home was built in abt. 1750 by Jas McChesney. This particular home would have belonged to the brother of this James McChesney's includes 1936 photo, land purchased from Benj Borden, sold it to Jas Sproul 3 Aug 1784, then to J Young, M SC Clark, J Brownlee, J Ludwick to Ezra G Huffman, and to EA Swope. Deed book A456; C141; W157; Z181, Y 401; OO-102; 22-437; Will book 28-405; Deed Book: 157-95 and 162-473. Rectangular shape home, with small "L" to rear cellar; gabled and shingled roof; 3 chimneys: 1 at each end & 1 to the "L"; pine lumbar cornices; 10 windows - 3 up/3 down double sash; single story porch w 6" square posts; 4 panel front door; single flight stairs; old pine plank floor 3-7" wide; slightly carved pine mantels; 3' pine wainscoting; no remodeling; in very good condition.
The Library of VA has a photo of McChesney's second home, also taken in 1936, from the Works Progress Administration Survey, by James W.McClung. It's called the "Old W. B. Moffett Home" dated 10 June 1936. It's on the NW side of Route 726 in Rockbridge Co., VA. It's a 3 story brick home; with gabled roof, exterior brick chimneys at either end (Rockbridge I House); 15 windows (6 up/6 down, double sash); rooms: 8 large & 6 small; two flight stairway: walnut; newel & balusters; 7" pine blanked floor; walnut hand carved mantels; and a small porch. The survey says he built it in 1834. The custom of the day was to build on top of the previous home. His granddaughter Martha and her husband resided there for some years. His great granddaughter Martha, contributed data for the survey for free but it costs $100.00 today to use the Library of VA. 1936 photo. (/VHI/P/24/0325.jpg).
CONTENTS BELOW has some GRAPHIC DETAILS of the tragedy:
Lexington GAZETTE 25 Aug 1842: suspected of insanity "for some time." "He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its scull against the bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they re alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney . . . got up and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied, that he did not know, a l(e)tter was brought to convey him home." d. 4pm that day. "P. S. Since the above was written, we have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead; but little hope is entertained of their lives."
26 Aug 1842, a personal account of what happened by unnamed author: Mr. Harper—I noticed in your paper of the 25th inst., a short account of the melancholy affair which occurred near this place, on Sunday last, the 2lst.—which is so far from being correct, that l have been induced to give you a brief sketch of the whole affair, an near as my recollection will serve me. This unfortunate man, (Reed.) was noticed for some days previous to Sunday, to be laboring under mental derangement, but no apprehension was anticipated of his doing any injury, as lie was a very peaceable, well behaved, and industrious man. Early on Sunday morning, he was at the house of Mrs. McBride,** but showed no signs of his malignant disposition there; he remained there but a short time—and from there went, home, about a quarter of a mile distant, and commenced his work of desperation on his wife with a stick, and I have no doubt with the intention of killing her. He knocked her down and cut her head severely in several places, but not dangerously. There was a young man present who had been living with them, who Mrs. Reed motioned to, to take away the gun. At the time Reed was heating her, she told him, (Reed) that Sweet was running off with the gun; he immediately took after him, and by that means she made her escape to Mrs. McBride's. As soon as the alarm was raised, some few persons repaired to the spot; by the time they had reached the house, Reed had prepared himself with a bar of iron, weighing about 18 pounds, which he seemed to wield with superhuman strength, and placed himself in the upper porch of the house, the stairs going from lire floor of the lower porch, one of the best positions he could possibly have selected for his defence (sic). He had managed to get his children up stairs; the eldest, however, was probably not entirely up on the porch, until he made a pass at her with the bar of iron, but did not succeed in striking her a mortal blow, and only knocked her off the porch, which did not much injure her. He then went into the room up stairs, where his two younger children were, and struck the eldest of the two a severe blow, and then carried it out, and threw it some 15 or 20 steps down in front of the house; the younger one, a little boy about 2 1/2 years old, he served in the same way. They are still living,* but little hope of their recovery. About this time several persons had arrived as the house, and some 20 or 30 before Capt. McChesney came. He, like others, asked Reed to throw down the iron, and said to him that it was his iron, and he wanted to take it home. Reed replied that he did not want his iron, on Sunday, and refused to give it up. All persons present seemed at a loss to know what course to pursue, as it was evident some person was to be hurt or probably killed in taking him — and a strong feeling prevailed to try and take him, without doing him any serious injury. After we had been on the ground some time, endeavoring to adopt some plan to secure him, and without coming to any definite one — Capt. McChesney and some 3 or 4 other, got into the lower part of the house at a back window, with sticks, &c (means etc.) for the purpose of trying to scare him off the porch, by knocking up the floor of the porch and house. This plan seemed to alarm him so much that he did leap off the end of the porch with the iron in his hand, his jumping down some 10 or 12' did not seem to impede his movements in the least. No person being near enough to do anything — but expecting him to jump down — he ran a few steps from the end of the porch where he leaped off, then turned his course along the front of the house, for some distance, making at who ever was nearest him. He however soon turned his course, and made towards the house.— Capt. McChesney and the _?_ (men?) who had previously been in the house, came out on the porch when Reed jumped down. When they saw Reed making towards the house, Capt. McChesney and a man by the name of Jarvis ran into the house. Jarvis got out of the back window, and I have no doubt, that Capt. McChesney had intended making his escape through the window also, but Reed was in the house before he succeeded in doing so. He then saw the critical situation in which he was placed, and made an effort to escape through the door when he received the mortal and unfortunate blow, as he was lying across the door, not more than 2 feet from it, when he was first discovered by 2 persons who ran to the back window and saw him lying on the floor. As soon as they saw him, they kicked out the sash and leaped in, and one them sprung at Reed and secured him, with several other, who, by this time had got in at he door. Reed had placed himself when he entered the house, immediately at the side of the door, where he had ever opportunity of killing any person that would attempt entering. A young man was knocked down in attempting to go in, and would no doubt have been killed, had he not have been dragged away by some person on the outside. I will here state what I probably should have done before, that I do not believe the any man, or set of men, could have gone up the stairs without being killed, as it seemed to be his full determination to kill the 1st man who attempted it. I think it proper here to state, that I do believe it was a moral impossibility to have save the life of Capt. McChesney, as no person was aware that he was in the house until he was seen lying on the floor from the back window, and then it was too late — The whole affair having been done so quick that there was no time for reflection by any one. He spoke a few words after he was carried out, and died in about 4 hours. Capt. McChesney was a most worthy and excellent citizen, a kind husband, and a most indulgent parent. Reed is now in Rockbridge Jail, and seems perfectly conscious of the crimes he has committed. (Written by:) *One who was present. P. S. — Since writing the above one of the children has died. For the Spectator. Brownsburg, dated August 26, 1842. Plus it was in the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser, Vol 19, #42, dated 8 Sept 1842.
Dreadful.—A most horrible affair occurred in me neighborhood of Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, on Sunday last. A man named John Reed, a blacksmith by trade, who had been observed to he laboring under mental derangement tor some days before, made an attack upon his wife and eldest daughter, with a bar of iron, no doubt with the intention o! killing them, but they succeeded in making their escape. He then caught two of his younger children, ne of whom he killed; and the other though shockingly mangled is still living. About this time Capt. James McChesney, of Brownsburg, who happened to be riding by in company with another gentleman attracted by the noise, attempted to enter the house, but was immediately felled by the infuriated maniac with the bar of iron, and his skuIl so fractured that he died in about two hours. Capt M'C. was a most worthy man, and has left a wife a family of children. Reed has been lodged in the Rockbridge jail for safe-keeping. Staunton (Va.) Spectator. The Alexandria Gazette, Vol. 42, #207, dated 30 Aug 1842, p 3 (see photo) and in the 25 Aug 1842 issue of the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser.
3 Sep 1842: MOST DISTRESSING AND HEARTRENDING OCCURRENCE. From the Lexington Gazette, August 25: We have rarely been more more deeply pained than we were at the relation of the casualty we are about to record, which took place in our own county, on Sunday last, in the vicinity of Brownsburg. A man by the name of Reid, a blacksmith and overseer for Mrs. McBride, who has been for some time past, we believe suspected of insanity, commenced on Sunday morning a work of destruction at which the imagination recoils in horror. He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its soul; against a bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they are alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull (sic) was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney we are told got up and walked to the spring and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied that he did not know; a litter was brought to convey him home, where he died about 4 o'clock on the same day. Capt. McChesney has left a wife, with a large family and numerous friends and acquaintances (sic) to mourn over his sudden and distressing death. The author of this bloody tragedy is now confined in our jail. P.S. Since the above was written. We have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead, but little hope is entertained of their lives. Leesburg Genius of Liberty, Vol 26, #36, 3 Sept 1842 (photo on sister Ann McC McBride's site).
**Note: Could the above "Mrs. McBride" have been Frances McChesney McBride (1799 - 1872), the sister of James McChesney?
Lexington Gazette and Citizen, 5/7/1875: JM "a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor" [Reid] "had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up." McC "tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChestney and sympathy for the dreadfully helpless condition of a defenceless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb [in the churchyard at New Providence] will ever be viewed . . . with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous men who ever lived." Article says that several of Reid's family died in the assault, but no specifics as to who.
My personal bio for James McChesney, wife Frances Ann McNutt McChesney and son Alexander Gallatin McChesney, plus others were STOLEN by Chelsea Weal Hodge on her Geni (dot com) page. She's the "Daughter of Bruce Hodge and Elizabeth Weal" and it says it was "Last Updated: February 10, 2015. She used SMART COPY to duplicate it and it even says Reseach(ed) and written by LSP. Request permission to reprint. " Also stolen were my personal photos and data on other family members. Permission was NEVER requested and NEVER given. This is my protest.
Blacksmith Reid, his wife and two children appear not to have been given formal first names in existing records. I also did not locate records of any Reids dying in 1842 in local records. Mrs. Ann J McBride was listed on page 10 of the 1840 Lexington, VA census. On the same page were John Reid (males 20-29, 1 10-14; females 2 under 5 and 1 20-29). Page 11, listed Andrew Reed and Christopher Reed. Page 9 had none.
In a family land division at public auction, it was discovered that James owned land in Nelson Co., Virginia. The sale of James and Robert McChesney's land with some details was involved, at this late date. Follow the court case to discover the rest of the story. "....the tract of land of which James McChesney died seized, lying in Nelson county and containing _?_ acres... Per the Lexington Gazette, Vol 11, #35, dated 19 Aug 1880.
His worn gravestone transcription is below. The gothic looking top of his tablet marker is elegant and beautifully carved. I have not seen one like it before.
…"There are still two other grave, the occupants of which are associated with incidents so memorable that we may hope, to be pardoned for further transgressing upon the patience of our readers in connection with this subject. The first is that of JAMES McCHESTNEY (sic), died August 21st, 1842. Mr. McChestney was a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor by the name of Reid—a blacksmith by trade—had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up. McChestney tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChes tney and sympathy for the; dreadfully helpless condition of a defenseless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb will ever be viewed by those who visit it with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous man who ever lived…". Part of a long article in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 7, #19, dated 7 May 1875 (see photo on his SON, JAMES' connected site).
Bio researched and written by LSP. Do not reprint or copy this or my photos in any form without written permission. This was NOT written by Findagrave.
Capt. James McChesney was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston. He served in the War of 1812 in McDowell's Virginia Militia. He married Francis Ann McNutt on 10 Feb 1825 in Rockbridge Co., Virginia.
He was murdered by a lunatic and blacksmith, Reed "who went violently crazy, murdered his wife and children shut up in a room in his house, and McChesney who heard their cries and entered the room by a window - a terrible massacre." (The McChesney's of Virginia manuscript compiled by Katherine E. Schultz, page 41.)
They had 9 known McChesney children, all connected below:
Elizabeth Johnston, 10 May 1826 (R J Echols)
Robert, 7 Jun 1828 - 18 Jun 1828
Alexander Gallatin, 31 Aug 1829 - 19 May 1877
Robert A, 30 Jun 1832 - 29 Jun 1861
Rachel Grigsby, 30 Aug 1834 (Wm McC Crawford)
Martha Evaline, 25 Oct 1836 (Wm B Moffett)
Frances Ann Louisa, 7 Dec 1838 (Edw Lewis)
Mary Margaret A, 22 Feb 1841 (Edw Lewis) in WV
James Zechariah, 7 Mar 1843 (Lucy Johnson)
Dec 1832: At a meeting of the citizens of Brownsburg and its vicinity, friendly to the election of Henry Clay, Esq. as the next president of the United States, Capt. JAMES McCHESNEY was elected Chairman, and James M Beard Secretary of the meeting. Richmond Whig and Commercial Journal, Volume 6, Number 134, 15 December 1831 and Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831. .....7th Resolved, JAMES McCHESNEY, A. B. Walker and Preston Trotters, esqrs. To be a committee of representation appointed to represent the members of this meeting in that o' Lexington…and that they are hereby authorized by us. To vote in ur behalf fro such candidate or candidates to attend the Baltimore convention….and to promote the nomination of Henry Clay. Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831.
James was murdered by a lunatic while trying to help the man's family. He was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston, who are buried nearby. I was surprised I could not find a Coroners Report on this incident at the court house or various VA institutions, after repeated tries. I later found it elsewhere. A typed verion of The Homicides of Adults in Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1778 - 1900, has many details about the fatal incident.
On 12 Mar 1834, James McChesney purchased William Steele's lot in deed book T, 185.
1838: My family passed down to me a Wednesday, 3 Jan 1838, Vol. II, #1, complete copy of the Philadelphia paper, Alexander's Weekly Messenger. It says J. McChesney on the top right. I have another old 1848 newspaper and it also has someone's name on it, suspecting it was home delivered to him. I have yet to figure out what was so important in this old paper. The front page has "Portraits of Distinguished Public Men and part of the right side is taped and a small part cut off. I'm assuming this page was of interest to him. James would die about 4 3/4 years later, so he must have handled it.
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 this site. The entire 108 pages are online at the Library of VA.
His father's 1839 will was probated in 1842 and left James the "plantation where he dwells purchased from Jno Grimm & Wm Cowman, about 400 acres, also the shares John & Andrew heretofore given to him and now in his possession, horses, other stock & farming utensils given to him, $100, & a small track of mountain land in possession of Jno Grow."
In 1848 Rockbridge County Chancery Records, I found a suit called Administrator of Jas McChesney vs Admin. of John Temple, over $35.48 that amounted to over 10 times that much. "In the month of August 1842 the said Jas McChesney died intestate (p 6). James' cousin, George W. McChesney was bonded on his behalf and Andrew Patterson represented him. 107 pages. Page 78 document says 12 Mar 1839, John Temple signed bond he owed $102.88 to Geo W McChesney & 12 Mar 1839, J. McChesney's one cow is included as payment (I think).
The Lib of VA's 1936 WPA report #ROC 338, for Ezra Huffman by Jas W McClung, says that the brick home was built in abt. 1750 by Jas McChesney. This particular home would have belonged to the brother of this James McChesney's includes 1936 photo, land purchased from Benj Borden, sold it to Jas Sproul 3 Aug 1784, then to J Young, M SC Clark, J Brownlee, J Ludwick to Ezra G Huffman, and to EA Swope. Deed book A456; C141; W157; Z181, Y 401; OO-102; 22-437; Will book 28-405; Deed Book: 157-95 and 162-473. Rectangular shape home, with small "L" to rear cellar; gabled and shingled roof; 3 chimneys: 1 at each end & 1 to the "L"; pine lumbar cornices; 10 windows - 3 up/3 down double sash; single story porch w 6" square posts; 4 panel front door; single flight stairs; old pine plank floor 3-7" wide; slightly carved pine mantels; 3' pine wainscoting; no remodeling; in very good condition.
The Library of VA has a photo of McChesney's second home, also taken in 1936, from the Works Progress Administration Survey, by James W.McClung. It's called the "Old W. B. Moffett Home" dated 10 June 1936. It's on the NW side of Route 726 in Rockbridge Co., VA. It's a 3 story brick home; with gabled roof, exterior brick chimneys at either end (Rockbridge I House); 15 windows (6 up/6 down, double sash); rooms: 8 large & 6 small; two flight stairway: walnut; newel & balusters; 7" pine blanked floor; walnut hand carved mantels; and a small porch. The survey says he built it in 1834. The custom of the day was to build on top of the previous home. His granddaughter Martha and her husband resided there for some years. His great granddaughter Martha, contributed data for the survey for free but it costs $100.00 today to use the Library of VA. 1936 photo. (/VHI/P/24/0325.jpg).
CONTENTS BELOW has some GRAPHIC DETAILS of the tragedy:
Lexington GAZETTE 25 Aug 1842: suspected of insanity "for some time." "He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its scull against the bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they re alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney . . . got up and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied, that he did not know, a l(e)tter was brought to convey him home." d. 4pm that day. "P. S. Since the above was written, we have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead; but little hope is entertained of their lives."
26 Aug 1842, a personal account of what happened by unnamed author: Mr. Harper—I noticed in your paper of the 25th inst., a short account of the melancholy affair which occurred near this place, on Sunday last, the 2lst.—which is so far from being correct, that l have been induced to give you a brief sketch of the whole affair, an near as my recollection will serve me. This unfortunate man, (Reed.) was noticed for some days previous to Sunday, to be laboring under mental derangement, but no apprehension was anticipated of his doing any injury, as lie was a very peaceable, well behaved, and industrious man. Early on Sunday morning, he was at the house of Mrs. McBride,** but showed no signs of his malignant disposition there; he remained there but a short time—and from there went, home, about a quarter of a mile distant, and commenced his work of desperation on his wife with a stick, and I have no doubt with the intention of killing her. He knocked her down and cut her head severely in several places, but not dangerously. There was a young man present who had been living with them, who Mrs. Reed motioned to, to take away the gun. At the time Reed was heating her, she told him, (Reed) that Sweet was running off with the gun; he immediately took after him, and by that means she made her escape to Mrs. McBride's. As soon as the alarm was raised, some few persons repaired to the spot; by the time they had reached the house, Reed had prepared himself with a bar of iron, weighing about 18 pounds, which he seemed to wield with superhuman strength, and placed himself in the upper porch of the house, the stairs going from lire floor of the lower porch, one of the best positions he could possibly have selected for his defence (sic). He had managed to get his children up stairs; the eldest, however, was probably not entirely up on the porch, until he made a pass at her with the bar of iron, but did not succeed in striking her a mortal blow, and only knocked her off the porch, which did not much injure her. He then went into the room up stairs, where his two younger children were, and struck the eldest of the two a severe blow, and then carried it out, and threw it some 15 or 20 steps down in front of the house; the younger one, a little boy about 2 1/2 years old, he served in the same way. They are still living,* but little hope of their recovery. About this time several persons had arrived as the house, and some 20 or 30 before Capt. McChesney came. He, like others, asked Reed to throw down the iron, and said to him that it was his iron, and he wanted to take it home. Reed replied that he did not want his iron, on Sunday, and refused to give it up. All persons present seemed at a loss to know what course to pursue, as it was evident some person was to be hurt or probably killed in taking him — and a strong feeling prevailed to try and take him, without doing him any serious injury. After we had been on the ground some time, endeavoring to adopt some plan to secure him, and without coming to any definite one — Capt. McChesney and some 3 or 4 other, got into the lower part of the house at a back window, with sticks, &c (means etc.) for the purpose of trying to scare him off the porch, by knocking up the floor of the porch and house. This plan seemed to alarm him so much that he did leap off the end of the porch with the iron in his hand, his jumping down some 10 or 12' did not seem to impede his movements in the least. No person being near enough to do anything — but expecting him to jump down — he ran a few steps from the end of the porch where he leaped off, then turned his course along the front of the house, for some distance, making at who ever was nearest him. He however soon turned his course, and made towards the house.— Capt. McChesney and the _?_ (men?) who had previously been in the house, came out on the porch when Reed jumped down. When they saw Reed making towards the house, Capt. McChesney and a man by the name of Jarvis ran into the house. Jarvis got out of the back window, and I have no doubt, that Capt. McChesney had intended making his escape through the window also, but Reed was in the house before he succeeded in doing so. He then saw the critical situation in which he was placed, and made an effort to escape through the door when he received the mortal and unfortunate blow, as he was lying across the door, not more than 2 feet from it, when he was first discovered by 2 persons who ran to the back window and saw him lying on the floor. As soon as they saw him, they kicked out the sash and leaped in, and one them sprung at Reed and secured him, with several other, who, by this time had got in at he door. Reed had placed himself when he entered the house, immediately at the side of the door, where he had ever opportunity of killing any person that would attempt entering. A young man was knocked down in attempting to go in, and would no doubt have been killed, had he not have been dragged away by some person on the outside. I will here state what I probably should have done before, that I do not believe the any man, or set of men, could have gone up the stairs without being killed, as it seemed to be his full determination to kill the 1st man who attempted it. I think it proper here to state, that I do believe it was a moral impossibility to have save the life of Capt. McChesney, as no person was aware that he was in the house until he was seen lying on the floor from the back window, and then it was too late — The whole affair having been done so quick that there was no time for reflection by any one. He spoke a few words after he was carried out, and died in about 4 hours. Capt. McChesney was a most worthy and excellent citizen, a kind husband, and a most indulgent parent. Reed is now in Rockbridge Jail, and seems perfectly conscious of the crimes he has committed. (Written by:) *One who was present. P. S. — Since writing the above one of the children has died. For the Spectator. Brownsburg, dated August 26, 1842. Plus it was in the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser, Vol 19, #42, dated 8 Sept 1842.
Dreadful.—A most horrible affair occurred in me neighborhood of Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, on Sunday last. A man named John Reed, a blacksmith by trade, who had been observed to he laboring under mental derangement tor some days before, made an attack upon his wife and eldest daughter, with a bar of iron, no doubt with the intention o! killing them, but they succeeded in making their escape. He then caught two of his younger children, ne of whom he killed; and the other though shockingly mangled is still living. About this time Capt. James McChesney, of Brownsburg, who happened to be riding by in company with another gentleman attracted by the noise, attempted to enter the house, but was immediately felled by the infuriated maniac with the bar of iron, and his skuIl so fractured that he died in about two hours. Capt M'C. was a most worthy man, and has left a wife a family of children. Reed has been lodged in the Rockbridge jail for safe-keeping. Staunton (Va.) Spectator. The Alexandria Gazette, Vol. 42, #207, dated 30 Aug 1842, p 3 (see photo) and in the 25 Aug 1842 issue of the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser.
3 Sep 1842: MOST DISTRESSING AND HEARTRENDING OCCURRENCE. From the Lexington Gazette, August 25: We have rarely been more more deeply pained than we were at the relation of the casualty we are about to record, which took place in our own county, on Sunday last, in the vicinity of Brownsburg. A man by the name of Reid, a blacksmith and overseer for Mrs. McBride, who has been for some time past, we believe suspected of insanity, commenced on Sunday morning a work of destruction at which the imagination recoils in horror. He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its soul; against a bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they are alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull (sic) was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney we are told got up and walked to the spring and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied that he did not know; a litter was brought to convey him home, where he died about 4 o'clock on the same day. Capt. McChesney has left a wife, with a large family and numerous friends and acquaintances (sic) to mourn over his sudden and distressing death. The author of this bloody tragedy is now confined in our jail. P.S. Since the above was written. We have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead, but little hope is entertained of their lives. Leesburg Genius of Liberty, Vol 26, #36, 3 Sept 1842 (photo on sister Ann McC McBride's site).
**Note: Could the above "Mrs. McBride" have been Frances McChesney McBride (1799 - 1872), the sister of James McChesney?
Lexington Gazette and Citizen, 5/7/1875: JM "a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor" [Reid] "had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up." McC "tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChestney and sympathy for the dreadfully helpless condition of a defenceless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb [in the churchyard at New Providence] will ever be viewed . . . with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous men who ever lived." Article says that several of Reid's family died in the assault, but no specifics as to who.
My personal bio for James McChesney, wife Frances Ann McNutt McChesney and son Alexander Gallatin McChesney, plus others were STOLEN by Chelsea Weal Hodge on her Geni (dot com) page. She's the "Daughter of Bruce Hodge and Elizabeth Weal" and it says it was "Last Updated: February 10, 2015. She used SMART COPY to duplicate it and it even says Reseach(ed) and written by LSP. Request permission to reprint. " Also stolen were my personal photos and data on other family members. Permission was NEVER requested and NEVER given. This is my protest.
Blacksmith Reid, his wife and two children appear not to have been given formal first names in existing records. I also did not locate records of any Reids dying in 1842 in local records. Mrs. Ann J McBride was listed on page 10 of the 1840 Lexington, VA census. On the same page were John Reid (males 20-29, 1 10-14; females 2 under 5 and 1 20-29). Page 11, listed Andrew Reed and Christopher Reed. Page 9 had none.
In a family land division at public auction, it was discovered that James owned land in Nelson Co., Virginia. The sale of James and Robert McChesney's land with some details was involved, at this late date. Follow the court case to discover the rest of the story. "....the tract of land of which James McChesney died seized, lying in Nelson county and containing _?_ acres... Per the Lexington Gazette, Vol 11, #35, dated 19 Aug 1880.
His worn gravestone transcription is below. The gothic looking top of his tablet marker is elegant and beautifully carved. I have not seen one like it before.
…"There are still two other grave, the occupants of which are associated with incidents so memorable that we may hope, to be pardoned for further transgressing upon the patience of our readers in connection with this subject. The first is that of JAMES McCHESTNEY (sic), died August 21st, 1842. Mr. McChestney was a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor by the name of Reid—a blacksmith by trade—had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up. McChestney tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChes tney and sympathy for the; dreadfully helpless condition of a defenseless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb will ever be viewed by those who visit it with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous man who ever lived…". Part of a long article in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 7, #19, dated 7 May 1875 (see photo on his SON, JAMES' connected site).
Bio researched and written by LSP. Do not reprint or copy this or my photos in any form without written permission. This was NOT written by Findagrave.
He was murdered by a lunatic and blacksmith, Reed "who went violently crazy, murdered his wife and children shut up in a room in his house, and McChesney who heard their cries and entered the room by a window - a terrible massacre." (The McChesney's of Virginia manuscript compiled by Katherine E. Schultz, page 41.)
They had 9 known McChesney children, all connected below:
Elizabeth Johnston, 10 May 1826 (R J Echols)
Robert, 7 Jun 1828 - 18 Jun 1828
Alexander Gallatin, 31 Aug 1829 - 19 May 1877
Robert A, 30 Jun 1832 - 29 Jun 1861
Rachel Grigsby, 30 Aug 1834 (Wm McC Crawford)
Martha Evaline, 25 Oct 1836 (Wm B Moffett)
Frances Ann Louisa, 7 Dec 1838 (Edw Lewis)
Mary Margaret A, 22 Feb 1841 (Edw Lewis) in WV
James Zechariah, 7 Mar 1843 (Lucy Johnson)
Dec 1832: At a meeting of the citizens of Brownsburg and its vicinity, friendly to the election of Henry Clay, Esq. as the next president of the United States, Capt. JAMES McCHESNEY was elected Chairman, and James M Beard Secretary of the meeting. Richmond Whig and Commercial Journal, Volume 6, Number 134, 15 December 1831 and Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831. .....7th Resolved, JAMES McCHESNEY, A. B. Walker and Preston Trotters, esqrs. To be a committee of representation appointed to represent the members of this meeting in that o' Lexington…and that they are hereby authorized by us. To vote in ur behalf fro such candidate or candidates to attend the Baltimore convention….and to promote the nomination of Henry Clay. Constitutional Whig, Volume 8, Number 102, 16 December 1831.
James was murdered by a lunatic while trying to help the man's family. He was the son of Robert McChesney and Elizabeth Johnston, who are buried nearby. I was surprised I could not find a Coroners Report on this incident at the court house or various VA institutions, after repeated tries. I later found it elsewhere. A typed verion of The Homicides of Adults in Rockbridge County, Virginia, 1778 - 1900, has many details about the fatal incident.
On 12 Mar 1834, James McChesney purchased William Steele's lot in deed book T, 185.
1838: My family passed down to me a Wednesday, 3 Jan 1838, Vol. II, #1, complete copy of the Philadelphia paper, Alexander's Weekly Messenger. It says J. McChesney on the top right. I have another old 1848 newspaper and it also has someone's name on it, suspecting it was home delivered to him. I have yet to figure out what was so important in this old paper. The front page has "Portraits of Distinguished Public Men and part of the right side is taped and a small part cut off. I'm assuming this page was of interest to him. James would die about 4 3/4 years later, so he must have handled it.
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 this site. The entire 108 pages are online at the Library of VA.
His father's 1839 will was probated in 1842 and left James the "plantation where he dwells purchased from Jno Grimm & Wm Cowman, about 400 acres, also the shares John & Andrew heretofore given to him and now in his possession, horses, other stock & farming utensils given to him, $100, & a small track of mountain land in possession of Jno Grow."
In 1848 Rockbridge County Chancery Records, I found a suit called Administrator of Jas McChesney vs Admin. of John Temple, over $35.48 that amounted to over 10 times that much. "In the month of August 1842 the said Jas McChesney died intestate (p 6). James' cousin, George W. McChesney was bonded on his behalf and Andrew Patterson represented him. 107 pages. Page 78 document says 12 Mar 1839, John Temple signed bond he owed $102.88 to Geo W McChesney & 12 Mar 1839, J. McChesney's one cow is included as payment (I think).
The Lib of VA's 1936 WPA report #ROC 338, for Ezra Huffman by Jas W McClung, says that the brick home was built in abt. 1750 by Jas McChesney. This particular home would have belonged to the brother of this James McChesney's includes 1936 photo, land purchased from Benj Borden, sold it to Jas Sproul 3 Aug 1784, then to J Young, M SC Clark, J Brownlee, J Ludwick to Ezra G Huffman, and to EA Swope. Deed book A456; C141; W157; Z181, Y 401; OO-102; 22-437; Will book 28-405; Deed Book: 157-95 and 162-473. Rectangular shape home, with small "L" to rear cellar; gabled and shingled roof; 3 chimneys: 1 at each end & 1 to the "L"; pine lumbar cornices; 10 windows - 3 up/3 down double sash; single story porch w 6" square posts; 4 panel front door; single flight stairs; old pine plank floor 3-7" wide; slightly carved pine mantels; 3' pine wainscoting; no remodeling; in very good condition.
The Library of VA has a photo of McChesney's second home, also taken in 1936, from the Works Progress Administration Survey, by James W.McClung. It's called the "Old W. B. Moffett Home" dated 10 June 1936. It's on the NW side of Route 726 in Rockbridge Co., VA. It's a 3 story brick home; with gabled roof, exterior brick chimneys at either end (Rockbridge I House); 15 windows (6 up/6 down, double sash); rooms: 8 large & 6 small; two flight stairway: walnut; newel & balusters; 7" pine blanked floor; walnut hand carved mantels; and a small porch. The survey says he built it in 1834. The custom of the day was to build on top of the previous home. His granddaughter Martha and her husband resided there for some years. His great granddaughter Martha, contributed data for the survey for free but it costs $100.00 today to use the Library of VA. 1936 photo. (/VHI/P/24/0325.jpg).
CONTENTS BELOW has some GRAPHIC DETAILS of the tragedy:
Lexington GAZETTE 25 Aug 1842: suspected of insanity "for some time." "He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its scull against the bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they re alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney . . . got up and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied, that he did not know, a l(e)tter was brought to convey him home." d. 4pm that day. "P. S. Since the above was written, we have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead; but little hope is entertained of their lives."
26 Aug 1842, a personal account of what happened by unnamed author: Mr. Harper—I noticed in your paper of the 25th inst., a short account of the melancholy affair which occurred near this place, on Sunday last, the 2lst.—which is so far from being correct, that l have been induced to give you a brief sketch of the whole affair, an near as my recollection will serve me. This unfortunate man, (Reed.) was noticed for some days previous to Sunday, to be laboring under mental derangement, but no apprehension was anticipated of his doing any injury, as lie was a very peaceable, well behaved, and industrious man. Early on Sunday morning, he was at the house of Mrs. McBride,** but showed no signs of his malignant disposition there; he remained there but a short time—and from there went, home, about a quarter of a mile distant, and commenced his work of desperation on his wife with a stick, and I have no doubt with the intention of killing her. He knocked her down and cut her head severely in several places, but not dangerously. There was a young man present who had been living with them, who Mrs. Reed motioned to, to take away the gun. At the time Reed was heating her, she told him, (Reed) that Sweet was running off with the gun; he immediately took after him, and by that means she made her escape to Mrs. McBride's. As soon as the alarm was raised, some few persons repaired to the spot; by the time they had reached the house, Reed had prepared himself with a bar of iron, weighing about 18 pounds, which he seemed to wield with superhuman strength, and placed himself in the upper porch of the house, the stairs going from lire floor of the lower porch, one of the best positions he could possibly have selected for his defence (sic). He had managed to get his children up stairs; the eldest, however, was probably not entirely up on the porch, until he made a pass at her with the bar of iron, but did not succeed in striking her a mortal blow, and only knocked her off the porch, which did not much injure her. He then went into the room up stairs, where his two younger children were, and struck the eldest of the two a severe blow, and then carried it out, and threw it some 15 or 20 steps down in front of the house; the younger one, a little boy about 2 1/2 years old, he served in the same way. They are still living,* but little hope of their recovery. About this time several persons had arrived as the house, and some 20 or 30 before Capt. McChesney came. He, like others, asked Reed to throw down the iron, and said to him that it was his iron, and he wanted to take it home. Reed replied that he did not want his iron, on Sunday, and refused to give it up. All persons present seemed at a loss to know what course to pursue, as it was evident some person was to be hurt or probably killed in taking him — and a strong feeling prevailed to try and take him, without doing him any serious injury. After we had been on the ground some time, endeavoring to adopt some plan to secure him, and without coming to any definite one — Capt. McChesney and some 3 or 4 other, got into the lower part of the house at a back window, with sticks, &c (means etc.) for the purpose of trying to scare him off the porch, by knocking up the floor of the porch and house. This plan seemed to alarm him so much that he did leap off the end of the porch with the iron in his hand, his jumping down some 10 or 12' did not seem to impede his movements in the least. No person being near enough to do anything — but expecting him to jump down — he ran a few steps from the end of the porch where he leaped off, then turned his course along the front of the house, for some distance, making at who ever was nearest him. He however soon turned his course, and made towards the house.— Capt. McChesney and the _?_ (men?) who had previously been in the house, came out on the porch when Reed jumped down. When they saw Reed making towards the house, Capt. McChesney and a man by the name of Jarvis ran into the house. Jarvis got out of the back window, and I have no doubt, that Capt. McChesney had intended making his escape through the window also, but Reed was in the house before he succeeded in doing so. He then saw the critical situation in which he was placed, and made an effort to escape through the door when he received the mortal and unfortunate blow, as he was lying across the door, not more than 2 feet from it, when he was first discovered by 2 persons who ran to the back window and saw him lying on the floor. As soon as they saw him, they kicked out the sash and leaped in, and one them sprung at Reed and secured him, with several other, who, by this time had got in at he door. Reed had placed himself when he entered the house, immediately at the side of the door, where he had ever opportunity of killing any person that would attempt entering. A young man was knocked down in attempting to go in, and would no doubt have been killed, had he not have been dragged away by some person on the outside. I will here state what I probably should have done before, that I do not believe the any man, or set of men, could have gone up the stairs without being killed, as it seemed to be his full determination to kill the 1st man who attempted it. I think it proper here to state, that I do believe it was a moral impossibility to have save the life of Capt. McChesney, as no person was aware that he was in the house until he was seen lying on the floor from the back window, and then it was too late — The whole affair having been done so quick that there was no time for reflection by any one. He spoke a few words after he was carried out, and died in about 4 hours. Capt. McChesney was a most worthy and excellent citizen, a kind husband, and a most indulgent parent. Reed is now in Rockbridge Jail, and seems perfectly conscious of the crimes he has committed. (Written by:) *One who was present. P. S. — Since writing the above one of the children has died. For the Spectator. Brownsburg, dated August 26, 1842. Plus it was in the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser, Vol 19, #42, dated 8 Sept 1842.
Dreadful.—A most horrible affair occurred in me neighborhood of Brownsburg, Rockbridge county, on Sunday last. A man named John Reed, a blacksmith by trade, who had been observed to he laboring under mental derangement tor some days before, made an attack upon his wife and eldest daughter, with a bar of iron, no doubt with the intention o! killing them, but they succeeded in making their escape. He then caught two of his younger children, ne of whom he killed; and the other though shockingly mangled is still living. About this time Capt. James McChesney, of Brownsburg, who happened to be riding by in company with another gentleman attracted by the noise, attempted to enter the house, but was immediately felled by the infuriated maniac with the bar of iron, and his skuIl so fractured that he died in about two hours. Capt M'C. was a most worthy man, and has left a wife a family of children. Reed has been lodged in the Rockbridge jail for safe-keeping. Staunton (Va.) Spectator. The Alexandria Gazette, Vol. 42, #207, dated 30 Aug 1842, p 3 (see photo) and in the 25 Aug 1842 issue of the Staunton Spectator & General Advertiser.
3 Sep 1842: MOST DISTRESSING AND HEARTRENDING OCCURRENCE. From the Lexington Gazette, August 25: We have rarely been more more deeply pained than we were at the relation of the casualty we are about to record, which took place in our own county, on Sunday last, in the vicinity of Brownsburg. A man by the name of Reid, a blacksmith and overseer for Mrs. McBride, who has been for some time past, we believe suspected of insanity, commenced on Sunday morning a work of destruction at which the imagination recoils in horror. He picked up one of his children and holding it by the feet smashed its soul; against a bedpost and threw it over a high porch, out of the house; he also mangled another very severely; we have not heard yet whether they are alive; his wife he next attacked, she fled and alarmed her neighbors. Several came and attempted to take him; he was armed with a bar of iron, with which he struck down a Mr. Stuart, and next attacked Capt. James McChesney, he struck him on the head and brought him to the floor, where he continued to beat him, until his scull (sic) was broken. He was then with great difficulty taken and confined. Mr. McChesney we are told got up and walked to the spring and washed himself, he was asked if he was seriously hurt, he replied that he did not know; a litter was brought to convey him home, where he died about 4 o'clock on the same day. Capt. McChesney has left a wife, with a large family and numerous friends and acquaintances (sic) to mourn over his sudden and distressing death. The author of this bloody tragedy is now confined in our jail. P.S. Since the above was written. We have heard that neither of Reid's children is yet dead, but little hope is entertained of their lives. Leesburg Genius of Liberty, Vol 26, #36, 3 Sept 1842 (photo on sister Ann McC McBride's site).
**Note: Could the above "Mrs. McBride" have been Frances McChesney McBride (1799 - 1872), the sister of James McChesney?
Lexington Gazette and Citizen, 5/7/1875: JM "a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor" [Reid] "had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up." McC "tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChestney and sympathy for the dreadfully helpless condition of a defenceless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb [in the churchyard at New Providence] will ever be viewed . . . with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous men who ever lived." Article says that several of Reid's family died in the assault, but no specifics as to who.
My personal bio for James McChesney, wife Frances Ann McNutt McChesney and son Alexander Gallatin McChesney, plus others were STOLEN by Chelsea Weal Hodge on her Geni (dot com) page. She's the "Daughter of Bruce Hodge and Elizabeth Weal" and it says it was "Last Updated: February 10, 2015. She used SMART COPY to duplicate it and it even says Reseach(ed) and written by LSP. Request permission to reprint. " Also stolen were my personal photos and data on other family members. Permission was NEVER requested and NEVER given. This is my protest.
Blacksmith Reid, his wife and two children appear not to have been given formal first names in existing records. I also did not locate records of any Reids dying in 1842 in local records. Mrs. Ann J McBride was listed on page 10 of the 1840 Lexington, VA census. On the same page were John Reid (males 20-29, 1 10-14; females 2 under 5 and 1 20-29). Page 11, listed Andrew Reed and Christopher Reed. Page 9 had none.
In a family land division at public auction, it was discovered that James owned land in Nelson Co., Virginia. The sale of James and Robert McChesney's land with some details was involved, at this late date. Follow the court case to discover the rest of the story. "....the tract of land of which James McChesney died seized, lying in Nelson county and containing _?_ acres... Per the Lexington Gazette, Vol 11, #35, dated 19 Aug 1880.
His worn gravestone transcription is below. The gothic looking top of his tablet marker is elegant and beautifully carved. I have not seen one like it before.
…"There are still two other grave, the occupants of which are associated with incidents so memorable that we may hope, to be pardoned for further transgressing upon the patience of our readers in connection with this subject. The first is that of JAMES McCHESTNEY (sic), died August 21st, 1842. Mr. McChestney was a martyr to his undaunted courage. Finding that a neighbor by the name of Reid—a blacksmith by trade—had become a raving madman and was murdering his own wife and children with blows from a deadly bolt of iron in the house where he had them and himself fastened up. McChestney tried to get in to their rescue. On entering, we believe through a window, Reid aimed a desperate blow with his iron bludgeon at the head of McChestney and smashed his skull so that death soon ensued. It was a terrible massacre of McChestney and several of Reid's family such as no one but a frantic lunatic could hardly have been capable of perpetrating. The heroic courage of McChes tney and sympathy for the; dreadfully helpless condition of a defenseless mother surrounded by her group of children at the mercy of a maniac, prompted him to rush into the very jaws of death in endeavoring to effect their rescue. His tomb will ever be viewed by those who visit it with feelings such as we had on the day we saw it, and they were that it contained the remains of one of the most courageous man who ever lived…". Part of a long article in the Lexington Gazette, Vol 7, #19, dated 7 May 1875 (see photo on his SON, JAMES' connected site).
Bio researched and written by LSP. Do not reprint or copy this or my photos in any form without written permission. This was NOT written by Findagrave.
Inscription
Sacred
to the memory of
CAPTAIN: JAMES McCHESNEY
Born March 14th 1795,
Died August 21st, 1842.
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We shall go to him, he will not
return to us.
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(epitaph is from 2 Samuel 12:22-23)
Fagan (the engraver)
Lynchburg
Family Members
Siblings
Children
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Elizabeth Johnston McChesney Echols
1826–1853
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Robert McChesney
1828–1828
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Dr Alexander Gallatin McChesney
1829–1877
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Lieut. Robert McChesney
1832–1861
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Rachel Grigsby McChesney Crawford
1834–1901
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Martha Evaline McChesney Moffett
1836–1900
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Frances Ann Louisa "Annie" McChesney Lewis
1838–1865
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Mary Margaret A. McChesney Lewis
1841–1915
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James Zechariah McChesney
1843–1922
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