NOAH CHEATHAM, a retired farmer living in Ava, was born in Elk Township,
Jackson County, February 2, 1834, and is a worthy representative of one of
the honored pioneer families of southern Illinois. His father, Robertson
Cheatham, was born in Virginia in 1808, and was a son of Samuel Cheatham,
who removed with his family to Tennessee in 1804, locating thirty miles from
Nashville. There he lived until 1822, when he removed to Mt. Vernon, Ill. A
short time afterward he took up his residence on Elk Prairie, where his
remaining days were spent.
Robertson aided his father and bore the
hardships of pioneer life. In Brownsville he married the daughter of Colonel
Creath, an early settler of this state, and located on the old Cheatham
homestead. There he lived until the fall of 1844, when he removed to Bradley
Township, Jackson County, making a permanent location. He first purchased
eighty acres of land, and afterward added to it a like amount, from which he
developed a fine farm. In 1837 his wife died. Their family numbered four
children, of whom three are yet living: William, a resident of Williamson
County; Noah; and Henry, of Ava. The father afterward married Elizabeth
Cruse, who died leaving one child, Albert, now of Missouri. He then wedded
Sarah Kimmel, a native of Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Abram Kimmel. They
have six children: Carroll, Marion, Isabel, George, Sarah and Oliver. The
father died in 1875. He took an active interest in political affairs, voting
with the Democratic party, and was a man of many excellencies of character,
who had the high regard of all. His widow and her sons, George and Oliver,
are now living on the old homestead.
Noah Cheatham received but
limited educational advantages in his youth, but his training as a farm hand
was not meagre. Having arrived at mature years he chose as a companion and
helpmate on life's journey Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Gideon Carr, who
removed from St. Clair County, Ill., to Jackson County in 1853. She was born
in the former county, August 31, 1839, and their wedding was celebrated
December 20, 1855. They began their domestic life upon a farm in Ora
Township. It was covered with timber, but with characteristic energy Mr.
Cheatham began its development and cleared one hundred and fifty acres,
making one of the finest farms in this region. In 1880 he built a two-story
brick residence, one of the handsome homes of the neighborhood, and there
resided until 1890, when he removed to his pleasant home in Ava.
To
Mr. and Mrs. Cheatham were born six children, of whom four are yet living:
Caroline, wife of Murray Dean; Frank, who married Alice Brett and has two
children; Albert, who wedded Ida Asbury, by whom he has two children; and
Eva, who completes the family. The household is a hospitable one and its
members rank high in social circles. Mr. Cheatham belongs to the Free Will
Baptist Church, and in politics has been a life-long Democrat. His well
directed efforts have won him success in business and gained him the
handsome competence which now enables him to live retired.
Extracted 31 Jul 2020 by Norma Hass from 1894 Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry, and Monroe Counties, Illinois, page 645.