Richard Cheatham (February 20, 1799 – September 9, 1845) was an American politician in Middle Tennessee. He was elected as a Whig in 1836 from Tennessee's 11th congressional district to the United States House of Representatives, serving one term. He had previously served several terms in Tennessee's State House, from 1825 to 1833.
Richard Cheatham | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 11th district | |
| In office March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1839 | |
| Preceded by | Cave Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Cave Johnson |
| Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives | |
| In office 1825–1833 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1799 Springfield, Tennessee |
| Died | September 9, 1845 (aged 46) White's Creek Springs, Tennessee |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Susan Saunders Cheatham |
| Children | Edward Saunders Cheatham; William Archer Cheatham; Boyd M. Cheatham; Richard Boone Cheatham |
| Profession | Merchant, stockman, gin operator, politician |
Biography
editCheatham was born in Springfield, Tennessee, on February 20, 1799. After completing preparatory studies, he went to work. He engaged in mercantile pursuits, stock raising, and operating a cotton gin. He married Susan Saunders.
Career
editCheatham soon became politically active and was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1824, at the age of 25. He served several terms, from 1825 to 1833. He was a member of the State constitutional convention which met at Nashville from May 19 to August 30, 1834. He was Presidential Elector for Tennessee in 1836. He served in the State militia with the rank of general.[1]
Cheatham ran for Congress three successive times before being elected in 1836 as a Whig to the Twenty-fifth Congress, which lasted from March 4, 1837 to March 3, 1839.[2] He failed to be re-elected to the Twenty-sixth or Twenty-seventh Congresses. He resumed his former business pursuits.
Death
editWhile visiting at White's Creek Springs near Springfield, Tennessee, Cheatham died on September 9, 1845 (age 46 years, 201 days). He was interred at Old City Cemetery. His widow and eldest son, Edward, continued his businesses.[3] His remains were reinterred at Elmwood Cemetery in 1952.[4] Cheatham County was named after his son, Edward Saunders Cheatham.
References
edit- ^ "Richard Cheatham". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ "Richard Cheatham". Govtrack US Congress. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ "Richard Cheatham". Cheatham County, Tennessee. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ "Richard Cheatham". The Political Graveyard. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
External links
edit- United States Congress. "Richard Cheatham (id: C000341)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Richard Cheatham at Find a Grave