He taught school, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1880, commencing practice in Charleston, West Virginia, in 1882.

They had four children: His wife's niece, Louise Benedict Schoonmaker, married Robert V. Keeley, a United States diplomat.

At the dedication of the capital of West Virginia, Mr. Chilton introduced the speaker to be the founder of Mother's Day, Miss Anna Jarvis.

As quoted she stated "This beautiful moment and magnificent capitol building is a fitting monument to the sacrifice, the devotion, the industry, and the hopes of West Virginia Mothers.

May we realize that this beautiful building stands for truth, for justice, for integrity, for progress, and for the hopes and ambitions of all West Virginia Mothers.