IRA CHICHESTER, Allegan Village, Allegan Co., Michigan

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History of Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan, with Illustrations and 
Biographical Sketches of their Prominent Men and Pioneers.
Philadelphia:  D. W. Ensign & Co.  1880.  Press of J. B. Lippincott & 
Co., Philadelphia.

This gentleman is one of a family of seven children, --three sons and four daughters.  He 
was born in the town of Unadilla, Otsego Co., N. Y., March 6, 1824.  His parents were 
Abijah and Betsey (Olmstead) Chichester, and were farmers by occupation.  The elder 
Chichester removed from Connecticut about 1805, and settled in Otsego Co., N. Y.  
Aside from his farm labors he engaged in teaching school, and won a reputation in life 
for honesty and strict integrity.  He removed from Unadilla in 1835, and settled in the 
town of Otsego, in the same county, four miles below the village, upon a farm he had 
purchased.  His wife died in 1837.  He finally came to Michigan, and died in Gun Plain, 
Allegan Co., in 1856.
  The early advantages of Ira Chichester were extremely limited.  His education was 
obtained in the district schools of the time, and, in common with the other members of 
the family, he experienced the various phases of pioneer life, and endured its many 
hardships and privations.  After arriving at the age of manhood he acquired proficiency in 
the trade of a carpenter and joiner, and also employed a portion of his time in teaching 
school.  His brother, Aaron Chichester, who was a surveyor by profession, and who for 
several years held the position of county surveyor, instructed him also in the art, and he 
has surveyed much of the county of Allegan.  With the exception of the year 1860, he 
represented his township on the board of supervisors from 1858 to 1866, inclusive.  
During his service occurred the great civil war, and his duties were arduous in his 
position.  The war widows and families of diseased or disabled soldiers received his 
earnest attention, and all have cause to remember him with gratitude in those trying days 
of warfare and suspense.  For ten years in succession he held the office of county 
treasurer.
  In 1868 Mr. Chichester was married to Ann Mary Ives, daughter of Friend Ives, one of 
the most prominent citizens of Allegan.  In January, 1867, Mr. Chichester located in 
Allegan with his family, and is at present residing in prominence, and is one of the most 
respected and influential citizens of his county.