Chesterfield, eight miles east of Lexington, was settled by the Essarys from East Tennessee formerly from Virginia, by the McCalls from South Carolina, by the Dennisons from Virginia, by the Walkers from North Carolina, and by the Ingrains. All these settlements were made in and around the present site of Chesterfield. The Essarys floated down the Tennessee River on a flat boat to Perryville and settled in what is now Decatur County. Soon, however, Joseph Essary, the father of William Essary, moved to Henderson County and settled where William Essary now lives just north of Chesterfield. Joseph became very influential in the County. He was one of the first Chairmen of the County Court and was justice of the peace in the old sixteenth civil district.

When the early settlers came to the Chesterfield neighborhood, they found only woods and wild animals. There were no schools, churches or cemeteries. Soon a wife of one of the Ingrains died and was about to be buried at the back of her own house. Philip Walker advised that she not be buried there. He said that he had planned to give land for a church and cemetery to be built upon. So she was buried in what later became the Union Cemetery. It was in this manner that the Union Church and Cemetery were arranged. These early settlers bought up large tracts of land when it was cheap and have given to their children small farms and have thereby perpetuated the neighborhood. The intermarrying of the families has also helped to keep them united in friendship and common interests. The business activities started at Cheap Valley, about one mile east of the p resent site of Chesterfield. It was so named because of the cheap goods that were sold there. There the

Masons organized a lodge and called it Cheap Valley Lodge. It still bears that name, but is moved to the Baptist Church of Union. Later the trading center was moved to Lone Elm, when in 1869 it took its name. It was so named by P. J. Howard Jr. because of a large elm tree that stood there. The first merchant was P. J. Howard, and the first postmaster was R. L. Brag. When the railroad was opened up the business center moved to Chesterfield, where it has since remained. John Moore owns and runs a large merchandise store there and does a good business. The neighborhood contains about fifty inhabitants.

Chesterfield Items in Lexington Republican January 5, 1906
New Years Greetings -- A. L. Dennison killed some very fine hogs Friday.
Dr. and Mrs. Bray of Darden visited in Chesterfield Sunday. Miss Cora Gooch returned to her school duties at West Point Monday.
Miss Callie Walker spent the holidays with her cousin, Georgie Wallace, in Jackson.
R. W. Wallace was the guest of his son, P. H. Wallace, in Gibson during the holidays.
Mrs. Monroe Brown of Buena Vista was the guest of her sister Mrs. L. L. Walker, Thursday.
Prof. Henry Essary and Clifford Neely returned to their school duties in Knoxville Monday.
E. W. Essary and wife spent Christmas with home folks. Ernest enjoyed a bird hunt with his old friend and cousin, Henry Essary, while here.
Mrs. Frank Watson and baby, accompanied by Essie Hillard of Huntingdon, were the guests of Mrs. Watsons mother, Mrs. Clay Williams, during the Christmas holidays. They were present at the Christmas tree on Saturday night, December 23, 1905.
Mr. and Mrs. Will Neely of Parsons took dinner with Mrs. Neeleys mother Thursday. Will returned to his duties that night leaving his wife and baby to enjoy the remainder of the week with relatives and friends.