Born in Knox County, Illinois. A resident of Knox County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 89th Illinois Infantry for three years at Abingdon, Knox County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company B at Chicago, Cook County, Illinois the same day he enlisted. Transferred to Company B, 59th Illinois infantry on 10 Jun 1865. Mustered out at New Braunfels, Texas. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Served the Post as Quartermaster in 1887, Officer of the Guard in 1889 and Post Commander in 1905. Died in Tacoma, Washington. Some of his military records identify him as "Abram M. Chesnay".