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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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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.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Jackson County, Illinois family biographies here: Jackson County, Illinois Biographies

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