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��THE GRANITE MONTHLY.
��and freedom of thought. In fact, he came of a race who have determined the destiny of this great country. He became versed in pohtics in early youth, and on arriving at man's estate he was ready to cast his vote intelli- gently.
He appreciated the advantages in life afforded by an affectionate wife, and before coming of age he had made his choice, and was married October 6, 1853, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan F., and Mary (Woods) Keyes, formerly of Benning- ton and later of Ashland.
Children of Thomas Perkins and Mary Elizabeth (Keyes) Cheney, born in Ashland, N. H. : I. Olney S. Che- ney, born Oct. 7, 1S56 ; died June 9, 1S60. II. Rodney W. Cheney, born Dec. 29, i860. III. Jonathan Mor- rison Cheney, born Dec. 15, 1863. IV. Alice Maud Cheney, born May 15,1866. V. Harry A. Cheney, born Nov. 20, 1870. VI. Addie S. Che- ney, born May 26, 1872. VII. George Bangs Cheney, born Nov. 6, 1873 ; died Nov. 9, 1879. VIII. Anne Per- kins Cheney, born Dec. 5, 1876.
In 1854, the young couple set- led in Amesbury, Mass., where Mr. Cheney embarked in the dry goods trade with his older brother, Major John T. Cheney.
Two years later, the firm was dis- solved and Mr. Cheney returned to his home in New Hampshire, and en- tered the store of his father-in-law, Mr. Keyes, as a clerk and assistant postmaster.
This was in 1856, at the time of the organization of the Republican party, and, although a young man, Mr Cheney was active in its formation.
��Originally by taste and education an^ old-line anti-slavery Whig, he joined the new party, carrying to its ranks zeal and enthusiasm. Naturally, he is a leader and organizer, and his efforts were effective.
In 1858, he went into business for himself, in a store devoted to general merchandise. About this time, he was appointed deputy-sheriff for Graf- ton and Belknap counties, and was elected town-clerk. On the election of Abraham Lincoln he was appointed postmaster, and at the call for troops he opened a Recruiting office and sent a detachment to join the First Regi- ment New Hampshire Volunteers. In August, 1 86 1, he recruited a squad for the Sixth Regiment, in which or- ganization he was commissioned a second lieutenant by Gov. Berry. In December, he left the state for the front, and remained with the com- mand for twelve months, winning his promotion to the rank of first lieuten- ant, and for some time commanding his company. He was with General Burnside in his expedition to Albe- marle and Pamlico Sound, and later in Virginia. In his last campaign, his strong constitution gave way under influence of exposure and malaria ;. he was prostrated, and ordered to the hospital, where, after nearly three months' treatment, he was honorably- discharged from the service for physi- cal disability.
louring his absence from home, the affairs of the post-office and telegraph office under his charge were success- fully conducted by his wife, who in this, as in all the plans and efforts of his life, has been an able coadjutor. For nearly a year after his returni
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