Born in Caldwell County, Kentucky in 1868, Harry Vernon McChesney began his career as a teacher in western Kentucky, eventually becoming the Superintendent of Livingston County schools. In 1899, at a political rally in Mayfield, his talent for public speaking impressed William Goebel, who added McChesney to his ticket for the gubernatorial election in the fall. McChesney became State Superintendent for Public Instruction in 1900 and then began a term as Secretary of State in 1904. McChesney ran for governor in 1915, but was defeated by A.O. Stanley. During World War I, he joined the Army Y.M.C.A. and served as Educational Director at Camp Zachary Taylor in Louisville. After the war, he remained involved with the local and national Y.M.C.A., the Kentucky Historical Society, and later became involved with the Rotary Club of Frankfort and the Kentucky Society for Crippled Children. He died from complications after a minor operation in 1947.
From the description of Harry Vernon McChesney collection, 1904-[193-]. (Kentucky Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 38555016
