James Cheatham, retired farmer, residence Milton, was born in Cumberland Co., Ky., in 1812; is the son of Richardson Cheatham, a native of Kentucky, where he died at an early day. The subject of this sketch came to this county in 1834, and settled in this tp., on sec. 4, where he built a log cabin and cultivated 80 acres of land; the same year he married Miss Virginia Robertson, a native of South Carolina, who with her mother and brother came to this county the same year. The license for this pioneer couple was the 3d one issued at Pittsfield. Three children have been born to them; Samuel, who married Sarah Lyster, and resides on the homestead; Lucy Ann, wife of F. McFadden, residents of Magnolia; and Walter, who was drowned when 19 years of age. Mr. C. settled on his present place in 1872, where he lives in retirement and enjoyment of past industry. They number among the living relics of Montezuma.

Source: History of Pike County by Charles M. CHapman 1880