H. E. CHESLEY
[JUDGE HERVEY EDGAR CHESLEY, SR.]
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OBITUARY
Among the many interesting things about Texas is the
fact that it has a very cosmopolitan population. In the early period of
its history, when the minds of young men in other states and lands were
filled with a desire for fame, fortune, or greater freedom, they came to
Texas, the land of unlimited opportunities. Among the hundreds of
ambitious young men who came in early life was H. C. Chesley of New
Durham, New Hampshire. Mr. Chesley’s parents, Moses Chesley and Sarah (Edgerly)
Chesley were of English descent, their families having come to New
Hampshire in 1632.
After his arrival in Texas, Mr. Chesley settled in Shive
of this county, where he engaged in the stock raising business which still
engages his attention. Later he became interested in public affairs and
served as deputy sheriff and was recognized as an able and just law
enforcement officer. Mr. Chesley was soon attracted to the profession of
law and after the necessary preparation was admitted to the bar under
special permit from Judge C. K. Bell, one of the noted lawyers of Hamilton
at that time. He has devoted his attention chiefly to civil law and has
been very successful in his chosen profession. He served the county with
distinction as county attorney from 1898 to 1902 and represented this
district in the state legislature from 1905 to 1907. Of recent years Mr.
Chesley divides hit time between his law practice and his land interest in
West Texas, New Mexico, and this part of the state. Politically he is a
Democrat. He is a loyal friend and a good neighbor.
In 1893 Mr. Chesley was married to Miss Helen Roddy,
daughter of Joseph Roddy, a Texan and Elizabeth Murray Roddy, of South
Carolina.
The history of the ancestry of Mrs. Roddy begins with a
knight who was a follower of William the Conqueror who came from France
and subdued England in 1066. An authentic record of the family history is
in the possession of Mrs. Chesley from that historic event to the present
time. Since her marriage these worthy people have lived in Hamilton and
have been useful citizens in every avenue of life. They have three sons
and one daughter, all honored citizens of their chosen places of
residence.
The Hamilton County News, Vol. IV, Number
11--Section Two
Historical and Trading Expansion Issue
W. F. Billingslea, Editor-Publisher
Subscription Price ONE YEAR ..$1.00
June 29, 1934
